Innovators from Commonwealth countries will have an opportunity to network and access funding to scale their solutions during the Kenya Innovation Week 2023 Commonwealth Edition slated for later this month.
The event which kicks off in November 27 will bring together Commonwealth Leaders, government officials, business and academic representatives, as well as a delegation from the Commonwealth Secretariat, led by the Secretary General of the Commonwealth Patricia Scotland.
The Inaugural Kenya Innovation Week 2023 – Commonwealth Edition is expected to explore the Commonwealth innovation system’s key actors, linkages, potential for growth, challenges, and existing opportunities for innovators.
During the week, Kenya’s 10-year Innovation Masterplan will also be launched during the week.
“The event will not only shed light on the brilliant innovations coming out of Kenya but will also highlight the Commonwealth innovation system’s key actors and their linkages, potential for growth, challenges, and existing opportunities for innovators,” said President William Ruto during the launch of the event Tuesday.
“I am especially delighted to welcome Commonwealth countries to Kenya, to join us as we advance the potential that exists to facilitate our collective achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through innovation,” he added.
Innovators participating in the event stand a chance to win Ksh 564,000 (£3,000) in funding from Secretary-General’s Innovation for Sustainable Development Awards besides getting support for their work and the opportunity to participate in high-level forums.
“Investment in innovation will result in a more prosperous, more equitable and more resilient society for all. With the advent of tools that are cheaper, easier to access and scalable, Africa must maintain or accelerate momentum,” said Scotland.
Additionally, the innovation week will include Commonwealth Africa Cyber Fellowship programme which is expected to cybersecurity experts from Commonwealth countries in Africa to exchange knowledge, foster partnerships and influence the policy work of the Commonwealth Secretariat.
The five-day Kenya Innovation Week will include thematic summits, panel discussions, keynote addresses, fireside chats, workshops, and networking events.
There will also be exhibitions from different participating organisations, groups and countries throughout the event.
Commonwealth activities include a Ministerial Roundtable Discussion on Science, Technology and Innovation, as well as participation from the Commonwealth Youth Council and the Commonwealth Businesswomen’s Network.
