Konza, Huawei to unveil innovation hub in Machakos University

Konza and Huawei technology have unveiled a partnership that will see the two firms establish an innovation hub at Machakos University.

Dubbed “Konza Innovation hub” the hub will play a role in linking the industry with the academy with a view of enhancing research and innovations.

Speaking during the unveiling of the partnership, Eng. John Tanui CEO Konza Technopolis Development Authority noted that a triple helix approach to development is key to unlocking great potential within the institutions of higher learning.

“By administering quality education and supplementing skills and with an innovative culture is sure to create the leaders of the future. We believe the Machakos innovation hub we launch here will be a catalyst towards shaping tomorrow’s ideas and inventions,” he said.

Konza Technopolis Chairman Architect Reuben Mutiso said that the forum is a timely engagement that will bring onboard critical players in the innovation ecosystem in an endeavor to harness the synergy in advancing the science, technology and innovation agenda.

“Kenya is a knowledge based economy driven by abundance wealth of ideas. As such, our core objective in setting up Africa’s technology Hub is to develop a world class infrastructure and technology that will facilitate research, education and foster business growth” he noted.

Konza Technopolis flagship project is Kenya’s Vision 2030 economic development portfolio with a core mandate envisioned to create an area of Innovation for the country and wider East Africa.

In the fiscal year 2016/2017, the government spent Ksh 3.5 billion equivalent to 0.005% of GDP on research, science, technology and innovation.

The initiative forum is setting the ball rolling in fostering a digitally powered ecosystem that will address present and future needs of both stakeholders and the community.