MMUST Shines at 2026 Geneva SDG Sustainability Olympiad, Winning Gold in Health Technology Innovation and Bronze Award in Overall Competitions

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) has clinched a Gold Award in Health Technology Innovation for its AfyaLink innovation and a Bronze Award in the Overall Competitions at the just-concluded Sustainability Olympiad (SOL) Global Finals 2026, held in Geneva, Switzerland. AfyaLink, the award-winning innovation, is a digital health platform that improves emergency healthcare coordination by connecting ambulance teams, nurses, and hospitals through real-time patient referral tracking. The global championship, which took place from 6^th to 9^th November, 2026, brought together university student innovators from across the world to showcase innovative solutions addressing real-world sustainability challenges, including advancements in health technology. MMUST delegation was led by the Director -Science Park, Innovation and Incubation Centre, Dr. Sum Psusma Tecla. The multidisciplinary AfyaLink team comprised John Mongare Nyamweya from the School of Science (SCI), John Mutea Kithinji from the School of Engineering and the Built Environment (SEBE), Albert Milka from the School of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (SONMAPS), Laura Shaviya from the School of Science (SCI), and Ian from the School of Agriculture, Veterinary Sciences and Technology (SAVET).

MMUST team in Geneva.

Adding to the University’s recognition on the global innovation stage, Dr. Sum, was honored to serve as a Certified International Innovation Jury. In this capacity, she contributed to the evaluation and recognition of outstanding innovations presented by participants from different parts of the world.

Dr. Sum also participated as a speaker in a high-level panel discussion on Innovation and Sustainability in the Digital Age, where she shared insights on strengthening entrepreneurship ecosystems, supporting student innovators and creating pathways for innovations to transition beyond competitions into sustainable enterprises, scalable technologies and market-ready solutions. Her contribution was anchored in a conviction that; Innovation is not complete when an idea wins an award; its true value is realized when it reaches the people it was intended to serve, creates impact and remains sustainable.

MMUST team in Geneva.

Notably, in acknowledgement of MMUST’s impressive performance, the participating team is set to undertake a six-month internship at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva, Switzerland. The opportunity will expose the students to an international innovation ecosystem, providing valuable practical experience, mentorship and opportunities to advance their innovative ideas.

This remarkable achievement underscores MMUST’s capacity to develop innovative, sustainable and technology-driven solutions that address pressing societal challenges and improve the quality of life. This outstanding innovation seeks to enhance communication and coordination among emergency healthcare providers through real-time referrals between ambulance teams, nurses and hospitals, ultimately streamlining emergency response, facilitating timely patient referrals and improving the delivery of healthcare services.