50 UoN students and staff from different faculties have been trained as Trainers of Trainers (ToTs) on how to mount, manage and run hackathons by Industry partner, Startinev, on Monday, 26-28, 2024 at Wangari Maathai Institute.
The three-day intensive training demystified the concept of Innovation, business and sustainable business ideas.
The Hackathons training comes days before the 8th edition of the Nairobi Innovation Week 2024 that will be held on May 8-10, 2024. The theme for this year’s Innovation Week is, ‘Strengthening the Innovation Ecosystem through Government- Industry-Academia-Community linkages for Sustainable Development’
Speaking during the official opening of the training, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Stephen Kiama appreciated the partnership and emphasized that the University cannot and should not shy away from Innovating and Innovations. He noted, ‘This is the only way to keep abreast with the fast-paced and dynamic issues and addressing the world’s challenges.’
He congratulated the students and staff representing the different faculties and encouraged them to spread the innovation culture.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Enterprise, Prof. Margaret Hutchinson congratulated the students for being chosen to represent their various faculties and units in this important exercise. She noted that Hackathons are integral to innovation ecosystems and after the training, UoN Community can then engage in hackathons on the various issues that need innovations.
‘Over the three days, participants learnt the principles of innovation and used them to develop solutions in 10 teams that had students and Faculty working together. They developed solutions to problems such as mental health, universal healthcare and ecological conservation. This culminated in a pitch session in front of a seasoned panel where the top 4 teams were recognized. The participants shall spearhead hackathons which will be executed in all faculties at the University in preparation for the Nairobi Innovation Week 2024, ‘from Startinev’s X post after the three days training.
They also noted, ‘We are looking forward to continued partnership to foster a culture of innovation within the University.’
Prof. Justus Munywoki, Director Research and Prof. Mary Kinoti, Director, Intellectual Property Management Office were among those present and overseeing the process.
