Kabarak University is proudly hosting the opening ceremony of the 2024 Central Rift Innovation Week on September 17th. Now in its third edition, this event has grown into a pivotal platform for the commercialization of research and innovation, connecting university faculties, students, and innovators from the public. This year’s theme revolves around Data Innovation and Entrepreneurship, aimed at showcasing the growing role of data in driving new products, services, and solutions in the modern market.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Henry Kiplagat, Vice Chancellor of Kabarak University, highlighted the importance of fostering innovation through data science, emphasizing that "data innovation involves harnessing data beyond traditional analysis by leveraging various technologies and approaches. "Prof. Kiplagat also mentioned the university's commitment to supporting innovators, stating that we offer full-fledged academic programs, boot camps, hackathons, and are developing a state-of-the-art incubation hub to support upcoming ventures."
The keynote speaker, Ms. Wangechi Wahome, a trailblazer in the legal tech industry and CEO of Anza Village, echoed these sentiments. She highlighted the significance of integrating entrepreneurship with data-driven innovation, stating, "The future of African startups lies in bridging the gap between curriculum and practical innovation, empowering innovators with the tools to commercialize their ideas." Ms. Wahome, a champion of startups and intellectual property rights, also stressed the importance of legal protection and strategy in driving successful innovations.
The week-long event will feature a rich lineup of activities, including:
- Workshops on Innovation and Research Project Management (September 16th), led by Mr. Collins Ayodo of PMI Institute, and Pitch Coaching and Practice, facilitated by Ms. Jacqueline Macharia from ICTA.
- Pitching sessions on various sectors, including Agriculture, Energy, Climate, Environment, Business, and Commerce, starting on September 17th.
- Expert sessions such as the Harnessing Big Data for Innovation by Mr. Andrew Masila from Safaricom, and Innovating with Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, led by Mr. Dan Njiriri from LISH AI Labs.
- On September 19th, the event will wrap up with plenary sessions and discussions on Financing Options for Startups, and The Gig and Data Economy.
- The event will culminate with an Awards Ceremony hosted by Dr. Philip Nyawere, Acting Director of the Research, Innovation, and Outreach office (RIO), followed by the closing ceremony led by Prof. Henry K. Kiplangat, the Vice Chancellor of Kabarak University.
This year's event is expected to draw participants from various fields such as technology, legal tech, finance, and education, fostering the next generation of innovators ready to make an impact. With a special emphasis on data-driven solutions, the 2024 Central Rift Innovation Week is poised to highlight the intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology.
