Vice Chancellor(Ag) Participates in Key Kenya Innovation Week 2024 Event

The Vice Chancellor (Ag) Prof Margaret Hutchinson, played a pivotal role at the 5th Session of the Entrepreneurial Leaders Training Program (ELTP) at the Kenya Innovation Week 2024-Africa breakfast meeting, on November 26, 2024. The session held at Edge Convention Centre, was a gathering of Vice Chancellors from the Network of Innovative Universities (NIU) and other critical stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem. The event marked a milestone with the launch of the Innovation Funding Toolkit, developed by the new Council of NIU Vice Chancellors, aimed at streamlining and promoting investment in innovation across Kenyan universities.

As the Chair of NIU, Prof Hutchinson presided over the unveiling of the toolkit, highlighting its importance in fostering a robust culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within academia. She commended the collaborative efforts that brought the initiative to fruition, emphasizing the critical role of partnerships in achieving sustainable development goals.

A significant highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KENIA), NIU, and the East Africa Venture Capital Association (EAVCA). This agreement sets the stage for enhanced collaboration among universities, government bodies, and private sector investors to bolster innovation-driven ventures in the region.

The Vice Chancellor(Ag) Prof Margaret Hutchinson, reaffirmed the University of Nairobi’s commitment to leading innovation efforts, leveraging partnerships, and ensuring academia remains at the forefront of transformative initiatives.