Intel Corporation has collaborated with the University of Nairobi to launch a tech incubation program aimed at accelerating innovation in Kenya.
The Hub dubbed Computing for Development Lab (C4DLab) will incubate startups and give them adequate resources. The small companies that will be incubated in the hub will be technology oriented.
The project is conceived under the custodian program of Africa Technology and Innovation Accelerator (AfTIA) and targets to admit startups founded by students, faculties, and alumni of the University of Nairobi as well as the general public.
“Intel recognizes the role of innovation in driving sustainable growth and will continue to invest in young innovators with a view of empowering them to develop solutions for now and the future.” Intel Corporation General Manager for East Africa Mr. Danie Steyn said.
The country has a number of incubators that support startups. The spaces have a mission of becoming the silicon valley of Africa by pumping resources to Kenyan owned companies that will one day become the face of the world.
Startups always find it hard to get sponsors or adequate resources to support their businesses which in turn derail the country’s economy.
The small businesses always come up with amazing solutions to Kenyans; A startup like KejaHunt enables people to get houses across Nairobi and it has grown under an incubation programme provided by Nailab.
To help upcoming entrepreneurs, C4DLab will run a set of Design Thinking courses that will help build a large community of user-centric innovators. The approach will help startups solve complex problems and find desirable solutions.
“Using Design Thinking will create a unique opportunity for developers to explore how the Internet of Things (IoT) technology can create solutions that will add value to our society,” said Mr. Steyn.
Universities like JKUAT, Strathmore and UON are establishing a strong workforce among the youths by tapping their skills and providing resources for them.
University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Mbithi said.” Kenya is uniquely positioned and well-endowed with a promising innovation ecosystem that if well guided and managed, can have a transformative effect in organizations, the country and even the continent.”
The program is also supported by United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and together with other stakeholders; they will be able to create sustainable solutions to the most pressing challenges faced by children and youth.
