MMUST’s 3 Student Innovations Selected to Compete in the First-Ever African Regional Finals of the Sustainability Olympiad
Three (3) of the Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s student innovations are set to compete in the first-ever African Regional Finals of the Sustainability Olympiad (SOL), slated for 21st to 24th August, 2026 at the United States International University Africa (USIU-Africa). These innovations are among the 24 inspiring projects that were selected through local innovation events, hosted by Universities across Africa.
SOL is a global innovation competition that empowers young people to co-design practical solutions addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Held this year under the theme ‘Designing Sustainable Futures in a Digital Age’, it has grown into an international academic network that amplifies local innovation efforts while connecting students with organizations, experts, and entrepreneurial opportunities to drive sustainable change.
A total of nine (9) students across three innovator teams will represent MMUST at the SOL Regional African Finals 2026. The students will be accompanied by the Director of Science Park, Innovation and Incubation Centre (SPIIC), Dr. Tecla Sum, as well as Dr. Collins Odoyo, a Senior Lecturer at the School of Computing and Informatics (SCI). Dr. Sum will deliver a keynote address, while Dr. Odoyo will serve in a jury panel.
The participating innovations are; AfyaRoot Rural Health Intelligence (An offline-first mobile health platform bringing medical guidance and emergency support to rural communities); SensioNeo (A low-cost wearable neonatal monitor alerting nurses via SMS when vitals turn critical); and AfyaLink (A real-time referral platform connecting ambulance teams, nurses, and hospitals for seamless patient transfers).
The top five (5) teams from these finals will advance to represent Africa at the global finals in Geneva-Switzerland, from 6th to 9th November, 2026. We wish the student innovators all the best as they take the continental stage to showcase their solutions.
By Wangari Wambugu
