Theme: Building a Sustainable Future through Innovations
Date: 16 – 18 October 2024
Venue: NS Grounds, University of Eldoret

The University of Eldoret's Innovation Weeks and Public Lectures are a cornerstone of our institution's commitment to fostering a culture of creativity, research, and knowledge sharing. These events provide a dynamic platform for students, faculty, industry leaders, and the broader community to engage with cutting-edge innovations and explore their potential for societal impact. Through keynote speeches, seminars, workshops, and public lectures, participants gain insights into the latest trends in technology, sustainability, and intellectual property, driving forward the university's mission to build a sustainable future through innovation.

The 6th Annual University of Eldoret Innovation Week and Public Lecture is scheduled to take place from 16 – 18 October 2024, at the NS Grounds. The theme of this year’s Innovation Week is "Building a Sustainable Future through Innovations" reflecting our commitment to leveraging innovative solutions to promote sustainable development.

Overview of Activities:

1. Exhibition of  Innovations and General Exhibitions
   We welcome the exhibition of innovations from staff and students of the University of Eldoret and other Universities and Technical Training Institutions. Additionally, companies and various stakeholders are invited to exhibit their products/services to participants. The exhibitions will run from 16 to 18 October 2024.  
   1. To register to exhibit your innovations, please use this link: https://forms.gle/MKoa97DAkEwAtwUg6

   2. To register for general exhibitions, please use this link: https://forms.gle/LaQ1RVzacdHVWygj8

      All exhibited innovations will be judged and the top 3 innovations awarded in 3 categories: Undergraduate students, Postgraduate students, and Staff.

2. Innovation Challenge Pitching Competition
   The Department of Intellectual Property Management has organized the 2nd University of Eldoret Innovation Challenge on the theme ‘Digital Innovations for Social Sustainability’. The innovation challenge will be open for students to form teams and apply until 15 September 2024. The objective of this challenge is to foster creativity and innovation among students while addressing real-world social and environmental challenges. Participants will have the opportunity to develop digital solutions that have a positive impact on society, promote sustainability, and contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

    

Challenge Categories

1. Education: Develop digital solutions to enhance access to quality education, improve learning outcomes, or address educational inequalities.
2. Healthcare and Mental Wellness: Create digital innovations to improve healthcare access, enhance patient care, or promote public health awareness.
3. Environment: Propose digital solutions to address environmental challenges, such as climate change, pollution, resource management, or conservation.
4. Social Justice: Design digital tools to advocate for social justice, empower marginalized communities, or address systemic inequalities.

On 16 October 2024, students who will have been participating in the Innovation Challenge will participate in the final pitching competition from 2 pm. The panel of judges will include external and internal experts. The Innovation Challenge will provide a platform for young minds to showcase their innovative solutions toward Innovative solutions for societal problems/challenges. The challenge for students aims to build students’ technical knowledge and skills through assessing information, problem-solving, developing teamwork, communication, and innovativation. 

For more information on the Innovation Challenge and eligibility criteria, please visit this link: https://sites.google.com/uoeld.ac.ke/2nd-uoe-innovation-challenge/home

To register for the Innovation Challenge, please use this form: https://forms.gle/emAnEdFhAYTtrwgw5

Intellectual Property Rights Seminar

Join us for an insightful seminar on ‘Intellectual Property Rights and Commercialization Options’, by Fred Otswongo and IP Associates Ltd. The seminar will cover essential topics on intellectual property (IP) rights like patents, trademarks, and utility models. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the various IP protection mechanisms available and learn effective strategies for commercializing their innovations. The session will provide practical insights into navigating the IP landscape and maximizing the value of intellectual assets. The Seminar will take place on 16 October 2024 from 9.30 am to 1 pm. All participants will receive certificates of completion after the training. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding of intellectual property rights and learn how to effectively commercialize your innovations. We look forward to your participation. 

To register for the Seminar, please use this link: https://forms.gle/FtBanjZCP6af4eDt9

Keynote Speech

During the Opening Ceremony on 17 October 2024, we will be honored to have the Managing Director of the National Bank of Kenya (NBK) who will deliver a keynote speech on ‘The role of NBK in the Commercialization of Innovative Research’. The address will explore how NBK supports entrepreneurs and innovators through various financial products, services, and strategic initiatives designed to foster innovation and drive economic growth. This keynote speech is a must-attend event for innovators, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders interested in understanding the financial mechanisms and support structures essential for turning innovative ideas into successful commercial ventures. All are invited to gain valuable insights and engage with a key player in Kenya's innovation landscape.

Panel Discussion

There will be a Panel Discussion on 17 October 2024 from 11.00 am. The theme of the Panel Discussion will be ‘Transforming Innovations into Entrepreneurship for Socioeconomic Impact. The discussion will involve different categories of panelists such as former student innovators, current student innovators, current student incubates, industry and partners, university researchers and innovators, industry players, and farmers to provide a forum for in-depth dialogue on how to transform innovations into entrepreneurship for socio-economic impact. Among the Panelists we will be expecting include; Viktoria Ventures and Digital Lions. Don’t miss this exciting Discussion.

Judging of Innovations

All exhibited innovations will be by a distinguished panel of judges based on their potential impact and creativity. The top 3 innovations will be awarded in 3 categories: Undergraduate students, Postgraduate students, and Staff. The judging of exhibitions will take place on 17 October 2024 from 2 pm.

Those interested in judging the innovations to register here: https://forms.gle/SLnSPYkUadcLqW4n6

Public Lecture

During the Closing Ceremony on 18 October 2024, there will be a Public Lecture on ‘Commercializing University Research and Innovations for Sustainable Economic Growth and Societal Impact’ by the President of the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The Public Lecture will address the critical importance of translating university research and innovations into marketable products and services that drive sustainable economic growth and benefit society. The Public Lecture will dwell on strategies for transforming academic research into commercially viable innovations, the role of universities in fostering an entrepreneurial culture and ecosystem, examples of successful university-industry collaborations and their impact, policy recommendations and support mechanisms needed for effective commercialization, and the societal benefits of commercialized research and its contribution to sustainable development. This Public Lecture is an essential event for anyone interested in the nexus of academia, industry, and economic development. You are all welcome.

Award Ceremony

There will be an award ceremony on 18 October 2024 during the Closing Ceremony to recognize and celebrate outstanding innovations with prizes and certificates.
Call for Participation
The Department of Intellectual Property Management of University of Eldoret is encouraging all students and staff from Departments of University of Eldoret, as well other institutions of higher learning (universities and technical colleges), research organizations, and other interested institutions to submit abstracts and showcase innovations toward solving societal challenges in line with Kenya’s Vision 2030, the goals and priorities of the African Union Agenda 2063, and the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals for a greener and sustainable future.

Cost of Participation

Participation is free for staff and students of the University of Eldoret. Exhibitors from other institutions will be expected to pay KES. 10,000 for the exhibition booth and meals for exhibitors for the three days. The exhibition fees should be deposited to the University of Eldoret‘s Account No: 0102816968200 at Standard Chartered Bank. 

Contact Information

For queries and clarifications, please email hodipm@uoeld.ac.ke or visit the Intellectual Property Management Office at the Directorate of Research and Innovation. Stay tuned for the complete program of events, which will be provided later. We look forward to your participation in shaping a sustainable future.

Let’s Innovate for a better future together!