Component 1

This program focuses on strengthening the support ecosystem (e.g. incubators, accelerators and rapid technology skills providers such as bootcamps) through financial grants based on individual improvement plans. Incubators and accelerators accross Kenya are eligible to apply. In addition, KIEP is also funding technology bootcamp providers through subsidizing cost of tuition for students, and through grant funding for scaling.

Subcomponent 1a dubbed SKIES (Strengthening Kenya’s Innovation Ecosystem) that aims to enhance the ecosystem infrastructure by building the capacity of intermediaries such as incubators, accelerators and technology boot camp providers

Methodology

 For more information on Strengthening the Ecosystem’s Support Infrastructure,visit SKIES

The Industry-Startup Linkage Program aims to address the existing lack of connection between established industry players, startups, and other ecosystem stakeholders through a facilitated program involving product development. This mechanism attracts and filters relevant startups to work with industry players in their product or service challenges. It will helps the participating companies build their own innovation capacity, and aids startups in finding a ready market for their products and services.

The Industry-Academia Platform (IAP) dubbed ITATU aims to increase Kenyan corporates productivity by linking them to students, who will execute challenges posed by the corporates and deliver innovative solutions. It is expected that the innovations will drive the productivity of Kenyan corporates and result in increased competitiveness of the participating companies. It will also contribute to the employability of Kenyan students by exposing them to “real life” problems and opportunities. The goal is to develop a financially sustainable organization (IAP) before the end of the project period.

ITATU will utilize the open innovation approach in driving the innovations. One of the key activities of the IAP will be to facilitate innovation challenges that will be posted by companies and will be carried out by cross-disciplinary student teams. ITATU will also organize an annual event. The annual event will seek to showcase innovations emerging from challenges, build partnerships and collaborations, disseminate information and knowledge. 

The International Acceleration Process focuses on connecting the Kenyan ecosystem to international networks of talent and support infrastructure (for example, mentors and early-stage investors). The process focuses on attracting global experts and investors to the local ecosystem in order to showcase Kenya’s talent on the global platform.

Startup Savanna offers information, knowledge and technical support targeted towards participating enterprises and is delivered through a suite of activities:

For more information on International Acceleration Process, visit Startup Savanna

The Industry-Academia Platform aims to connect a network of formal tertiary education institutions and their students to individual companies through specific product development sessions with company staff. This activity supports open innovation in Kenyan companies through access to relatively low-cost human capital, and help students develop practical, in-demand skills and experience during their formal education.

For more information on Industry-Academia Platform, visit iTATU