Kenya Innovation Agency (KeNIA) has committed to support the Technical University of Kenya (TU-K) in setting up income-generating ventures through commercialisation of research, innovations and start-ups. KeNIA CEO, Dr. Tonny Omwansa who visited TU-K recently said the Innovation Agency is seeking out to partner with universities to enhance their innovation and entrepreneurship capacities, providing them with the necessary tools, frameworks, and support programs to develop and scale impactful solutions.
“The Agency’s initiatives are designed to help institutions build capacity, streamline commercialization processes, and empower universities to make informed decisions that foster entrepreneurial output,” Dr. Omwansa said.
Dr. Omwansa who was accompanied by Francis Okwara, a Senior Innovations Officer at the Agency met DVC’s Prof. Alfred Orina (RTD) and Prof. Paul Wambua (IAE) and discussed collaborative engagements between the two institutions.
Other senior members of staff from the university who attended the consultative meeting included; Prof. Levi Mbugua, Ag. Director, Centre for Innovation and Technology Transfer, Prof. Salesio Kiura Ag. Director, Information and Communication Technology Services, Dr. Geoffrey Otieno, from Chemistry and Material Science, Prof. Austine Ochieng, Director, Research and Knowledge Management, Dr. Mary-Clare Kidenda, from the Department of Design and Creative Media and Dr. Julius Bosire.
While outlining Agency’s commercialisation support programmes, the KeNia CEO challenged TU-K and other academic institutions to position themselves as national leaders in innovation, using their expertise to address critical national challenges. He specifically referenced the potential of groundbreaking projects, such as the development of solar-powered cars, as an example of disruptive innovation.
Prof. Wambua noted that KeNIA and TU-K have been working on the collaboration that will benefit to both institutions, students and staff and extending to developments in the society.
At the same time Prof. Orina, said TU-K is best positioned to take advantage of the collaboration between KeNIA and TU-K highlighting that the university is a leader in research, technology and innovations and has relevant infrastructure to support such initiatives including; laboratories and workshops.