Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) has been selected to represent Kenya at the prestigious International Innovation Academy, scheduled to take place in St. Petersburg, Russia, from 20^th November to 1^st December, 2024. The Academy, which will involve 15000 participants from across the globe will bring together top innovators, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders including astronauts from space. The International Innovation Academy will  provide a unique platform for the MMUST team to network, learn, and exchange ideas with global innovators, further positioning the University as a leader in innovation and technological advancement. 

This selection was informed by MMUST’s success in the first-round of competitions that were held from 15^th to 26^th September, 2024, where MMUST team participated online. The competitions revolved around nine (9) areas, including, Manufacturing and Engineering technologies; Medical technology; Information and Communication Technologies; Civil Construction Technologies; Transport and Logistics Technologies; Education Technologies; Creative Industry Technologies; and Service Sector.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, congratulates the Director of the Science Park, Innovation, and Incubation Centre (SPIIC), Dr. Tecla Sum at a past event.

Leading the University’s delegation will be the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, who will be accompanied by the Director of the Science Park, Innovation, and Incubation Centre (SPIIC), Dr. Tecla Sum and three of MMUST’s student innovators. They include Elvis Amiani, a talented software developer from the School of Computing and Informatics; Phabian Benard Odoyo, an electrical engineering student from the School of Engineering & Built Environment Engineering Technology section; and Nyambane Moraa Edinah, who won in the service industry.

Speaking to DCCM, the Director Research and Postgraduate Support, Prof. Francis Orata affirmed that MMUST is committed to providing researchers with mentoring, financial and advisory support. “The research Directorate works very closely with SPIIC to not only identify students with innovations but also helping them with patenting and marketing solutions,” stated Prof. Orata.

The Director Research and Postgraduate Support, Prof. Francis Orata.

Reiterating, the Director SPIIC, Dr. Tecla Sum pointed out that MMUST has laid a firm foundation for the transformative innovative ecosystem responsible for maximizing innovations incubated at the Park. “Our goal is to meet critical, important,  and unmet  societal needs through implementation of research and innovation,” said Dr. Sum.

Further, in an effort to intensify its commitment to research and innovation, MMUST will be hosting a series of activities including hackathons, exhibitions, and tech-driven challenges, including ihub, ilab, imarketing, scheduled for 7^th and 8^th November, 2024. These events will spur further innovation and collaboration, showcasing MMUST’s vibrant innovation ecosystem while fostering partnerships across academia and industry.

By Dr. Lydia Anyonje and Caren Nekesa