Co-Creation Hub and GIZ Make-IT in Africa, on behalf of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), through an Integrated Development Partnership with the Private Sector (iDPP), hosted the final in-country Uni:nnovators demo day at the Senteu Plaza, Galana/Lenana Road, Nairobi, Kenya.
The Startups-in-Residence Program, initiated in August 2023, meticulously selected 30 student-led startup teams from an impressive pool of 256 entries spanning Nigeria, Namibia, and Kenya. This initiative aims to inspire innovation within selected tertiary institutions in Africa, including the University of Ibadan (Nigeria), University of Lagos (Nigeria), University of Nairobi (Kenya), Riara University (Kenya), University of Namibia (Namibia), and Namibia University of Science and Technology (Namibia).
The event proudly announces the selection of six exceptional student-led startups for the Uni:nnovators’ Startups-in-Residence program. These startups, representing a diverse range of innovative solutions, were meticulously chosen following an intensive six-week design sprint to refine their pitches and innovations.
In his welcome address, Jude Adejuwon, CcHUB Higher Education Institution’s Innovation Practice Lead, expressed gratitude, acknowledging the invaluable support of GIZ Make-IT in Africa, on behalf of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), through an Integrated Development Partnership with the Private Sector (iDPP), and the active participation of higher education institution members.
In attendance was Prof. Stephen Kiama, Vice Chancellor (University of Nairobi), who assured iHUB that “the University is ready to collaborate with them to harness the abundant talent in the university to solve Africa’s problems”. Susan Gaciku, Digital Ecosystem Advisor, GIZ attended the event and expressed enthusiasm for the innovative solutions presented.
The student-led startups presented innovative solutions, ranging from a smart water recycling device that collects, treats, and reuses water from various sources, to a platform empowering pregnant women through healthcare resources and support, and an innovative solution employing machine learning technology to ensure hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers, addressing hospital-acquired infections affecting millions.
Co-Creation Hub is particularly delighted to introduce the six outstanding Kenyan student-led startup teams that emerged:
1. HYGIEA – An innovative solution employing machine learning technology and camera monitoring to ensure hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers, addressing hospital-acquired infections affecting millions annually.
2. DEV HEALTH – Aiming to enhance communication and understanding between healthcare providers and the deaf community to improve the lives of deaf patients.
3. ARAKONIVA – A portable salivary-based device for early breast cancer detection, ensuring accuracy, affordability, and user-friendliness.
4. CARE CONNECT AFRICA – Empowering pregnant women through information, education resources, healthcare service connections, telemedicine consultations, appointment scheduling, and community support.
5. EJ_SMARTFARM_254 – Revolutionizing agriculture through cutting-edge technology, including the Internet of Things (IoT), by providing real-time data, efficient resource management, data-driven insights, and weather forecasting.
6. GREY WATER BLUE – A smart water recycling device that collects, treats, and reuses water from showers, laundries, sinks, and swimming pools.
