Nairobi | 7–8 August 2026
The University of Nairobi (UoN) has kicked off its Pre-Incubation Programme with a two-day design and building sprint held at the Computing for Development Laboratory (C4DLab) on 7–8 August 2026.
Implemented through C4DLab and the AFRETEC Network, in partnership with Startinev – Hackhouse and DIP, the programme brings together innovators with one goal: to turn promising ideas into solutions that can create real impact.
The two-day kickoff brought innovators together to understand the programme journey, form teams, sharpen the problems they are addressing and begin developing their solutions. Day One focused on problem framing, solution design, mentor engagement, and intellectual property and commercialisation, giving participants an opportunity to look at their ideas from both an innovation and business perspective.
On the second day, the teams moved into prototyping and validation, working to turn their ideas into more tangible solutions. They also received support to develop their pitch decks and rehearsed their presentations before participating in the kickoff pitch session. The day concluded with networking, recognition and reflections on the journey ahead.
For the innovators, however, the two days were only the beginning.
Over the coming months, the innovators will continue developing their ideas through individual sessions with mentors and coaches. These sessions will give each team an opportunity to work through its unique challenges, strengthen its solution, validate its market opportunity and prepare for the next stage of its journey.
The programme will culminate in November 2026, when the teams will have an opportunity to pitch their ventures to investors and other stakeholders.
This approach reflects what successful university incubation programmes do around the world: give innovators the time, guidance, networks and practical support needed to move from an idea to something that can work in the real world.
For UoN students, faculty and researchers, the programme offers more than entrepreneurship training. It creates a pathway for university ideas and research to become products, businesses and solutions that respond to real challenges in Kenya and beyond.
As the teams now move from the excitement of the launch into the hard work of building and refining their ventures, one thing is clear: the next few months will be about turning ideas into impact.