The Division of Planning, Partnerships, Research and Innovation, under the Directorate of Research and Innovation, recently organized a comprehensive two-day R2C Sensitization Workshop at Kibabii University’s Auditorium C. The primary focus of the workshop was to enlighten both staff and students about the critical process of Commercializing Research. The workshop was officiated by the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, Planning, Partnerships, Research, and Innovation, Prof. Joshua Abuya.
Facilitated by a dedicated team from the Research to Commercialization (R2C) Program under the Research and Innovative Systems for Africa (RISA), various strategies and steps essential for the successful commercialization of research projects were discussed. Funded by the UK International Development’s Research Innovation system in Africa (RISA), Kenya National Innovation Agency (KENIA), and Viktoria Ventures, the program aimed at equipping participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the complexities of commercializing innovations.
During interactive sessions, attendees were guided through a range of topics aimed at empowering them to effectively commercialize their research endeavors. The overarching objectives of the training were twofold. Firstly, to bolster the capacity of 40 researchers by the year 2024, with a particular focus on an accelerator program geared towards preparing them for investment and commercialization, with 30 participants in Kenya and 10 in Ethiopia. Secondly, to enhance the technology transfer capabilities of over 40 institutions by the same year, employing a cascaded training model to enable them undertake Research to Commercialization (R2C) initiatives, with an emphasis on training trainers.
The program has yielded promising outcomes, including the successful mobilization of $328,422 (equivalent to 48 million Kenyan Shillings) to support R2C ventures, thereby catalyzing financial access for innovative projects. Moreover, it has empowered 28 institutions to establish and sustain research-to-commercialization programs, with 12 institutions actively engaged in related R2C activities. Additionally, the program has emphasized the mainstreaming of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) in innovation programs, fostering a more inclusive and diverse research landscape.
The workshop concluded on Friday, 17th May, 2024, with participants expressing their appreciation for the valuable insights gained regarding the significance and processes involved in commercializing research. Overall, the event proved to be a significant milestone in fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within the academic community, setting the stage for impactful collaborations and transformative research endeavors.
