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1. Introduction

The Mt Kenya Innovation Hub is proud to host the 4th Edition of the Mt Kenya Innovations Week, continuing the journey of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship since 2021. The theme of this year’s event, “4th Industrial Revolution: Creating Jobs, Fueling Smart Agriculture, and Climate Action,” aligns with the global pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Kenya’s Vision 2030, and the COP27 deliberations. It reflects the increasing role of innovation in addressing climate change, job creation, and sustainability, in the context of the rapid technological advances of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

The Mt Kenya Innovation Week has grown in scope and impact since its inception. In the 2022 edition, insights from the evaluation report showed that over 1,000 women and youth were trained in critical areas like Business Canvas, design thinking, digital marketing, and cash flow management. In addition, the event received 167 submissions in the innovation contest and 103 hackathon submissions, with the top 5 ideas being awarded. This progress demonstrates how the Innovation Week has become a grassroots platform for innovation and entrepreneurship, equipping participants with the skills, tools, and networks to grow and scale their ideas.

This year’s edition introduces three diverse hackathons, industrial visits, exhibitions, panel discussions, and awards to celebrate and accelerate digital transformation, job creation, and climate resilience.

2. Event Objectives

• To foster the development of sustainable digital solutions aligned with the 4th Industrial Revolution’s goals of smart agriculture, digital jobs, and climate action.
• To showcase how innovation ecosystems can contribute to the achievement of SDGs, Kenya Vision 2030, and Agenda 2063.
• To connect innovators with industry leaders, policymakers, and funding partners to accelerate growth and scaling of innovative ideas.
• To promote clean economy solutions and showcase real-world applications of smart innovations for sustainable development.
• To engage and empower women and youth with the skills and tools necessary to contribute to Kenya’s innovation landscape.

3. Hackathons

Building on the success of previous editions, this year’s event will feature three major hackathons:

1. Plant-Based Hackathon (November 9-10)
   This culinary challenge will focus on creating plant-based dishes using selected recipes. Participants will compete to innovate in the space of sustainable food practices, exploring new flavors and ways of cooking that align with climate action and health goals.
2. Artisans Hackathon (November 15-17)
   Artisans and creatives will showcase their skills through a drawing competition aimed at celebrating art as an integral component of the innovation ecosystem. This hackathon promotes design thinking and the role of artisans in digital innovation.
3. BushHack Hackathon (November 15-17)
   This signature event is a 48-hour nonstop hackathon where tech enthusiasts and innovators will focus on developing digital solutions that address the challenges of creating digital jobs, smart agriculture, and climate action. Participants will work collaboratively to build MVPs (Minimum Viable Products) that have the potential to transform communities and contribute to the clean economy.

4. Industrial and Entrepreneurial Visits (November 18-19)

In recognition of the practical applications of innovation, participants will visit local entrepreneurs and enterprises in the Mt Kenya region that are contributing to this year’s theme. These visits will provide valuable insights into how businesses are leveraging technology to drive smart agriculture, sustainable jobs, and climate solutions.

5. Closing Ceremony and Exhibition (November 22)

The Innovation Week will conclude with a grand closing ceremony at the Mt Kenya Hub Nyeri Campus, featuring:

• Exhibitions: Highlighting the innovative solutions developed throughout the event.
• Panel Discussions: Focusing on how to create sustainable innovation ecosystems, with insights from experts in technology, agriculture, and climate action.
• Keynote Speeches: Inspirational talks from thought leaders in the field of innovation, entrepreneurship, and policy.
• Awards Ceremony: Winners from the hackathons and outstanding participants will be awarded a total of Ksh 300,000 in prizes for their contributions.

6. Event Impact and Legacy

Since its launch in 2021, Mt Kenya Innovation Week has steadily grown into a platform that accelerates grassroots innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable development. The 2022 edition, influenced by discussions at COP27 and with a theme of “Smart Innovations for a Clean Economy,” saw meaningful contributions toward climate solutions and clean economic growth. This year, the event aims to further integrate smart agriculture and climate action within Kenya’s innovation ecosystem, contributing to the achievement of national and global development goals.

The BushHack Hackathon, as the flagship event, has become a significant platform for innovators to scale their ideas into viable businesses. Previous editions saw ideas developed and presented in sectors like clean energy and agriculture, with direct benefits for local communities. Mt Kenya Hub continues to prioritize grassroots connections by involving local communities in design thinking, making digital solutions relevant and accessible.

7. Target Audience

The event will attract:

• Innovators and tech enthusiasts
• Entrepreneurs and SMEs
• Agricultural practitioners
• Policymakers and government representatives
• Investors and development partners
• Local communities, students, and youth groups

8. Sponsorship and Partnership Opportunities

Mt Kenya Innovation Hub invites partners and sponsors to join us in making the 4th Edition of Mt Kenya Innovations Week a success. By supporting this event, partners will:

• Showcase their leadership in supporting innovation ecosystems focused on digital jobs, smart agriculture, and climate action.
• Gain exposure to a diverse audience of entrepreneurs, innovators, and thought leaders in sustainable development.
• Contribute to the empowerment of youth and women in technology and entrepreneurship, aligning with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and global sustainability goals.
• Be part of an initiative that creates lasting impact, fosters job creation, and accelerates the clean economy through innovation.

9. Conclusion

The 4th Edition of Mt Kenya Innovations Week is set to be an impactful event, continuing the legacy of promoting innovation for sustainable development. We look forward to working with partners and sponsors to drive forward digital transformation, smart agriculture, and climate action through this dynamic platform.

For further information and partnership inquiries, please contact us at:
Mt Kenya Innovation Hub
P.O. Box 6939-00300, Nairobi, Kenya
Email: hello@mtkenyahub.com
Phone: +254-726 85 77 85