Innovation Prize for Africa
Yesterday, 26th of November 2013, I had the privilege of attending a round table discussion for the Innovation prize for Africa.
I have attended two similar events one hosted by Outboxhub and organized Pivot East (July 27th 2012) as well as another hosted by Hivecolab and organized by Demo-Africa (October 27th 2012).
Broadly speaking the groups which organize these events are built to harness the innovative skills of African users in an effort to solve local problems. Over the years some categories have emerged based on challenges that are unique to the African setting. Naturally, Mobile Technology and its rise in prominence has contributed to much of the excitement and as a result fueled the drive to create technology related solutions.
While other sectors such as tourism, industry have also benefitted, the rest the continents attention has been focused on Health and Agriculture.
Having realized that shift from the Northern hemisphere to the Southern Hemisphere both in terms of religious fervor and development, a corresponding movement has taken place whose major thrust has been towards youth. Nations are realizing that in order to plan effectively for their futures, they need to involve the young people.
The meeting for the Innovation Prize for Africa therefore took place under these major global challenges and shifts.
The choice of participants was interesting and worth noting.
The event's main speaker was Woman of Rwandese descent Ms Pauline Mujawamaria. She described her organization and it's history as well as it's focus on bridging the divide between Innovators and Funders. In addition to this she mentioned the three pronged approach to innovation which includes Material Resources, Educational Entities and Human Capital.
The round table discussion was moderated by Michael Nyitegeka, whose experience in Makerere placed him in a very unique position to identify with innovators and students and whose interaction of Educators and policy makers has given him access to some very influential people.
For Panelists, there was Mirembe Drake Patrick formerly of the Faculty of Information Technology at Makerere who now works closely with another innovative institution (which is linking Business, Information Technology and Management). Also present was Okello Joshua who helped create an application that is trying to Reduce the Cost of Imaging for Expectant Mothers. The third panelist was Karungi Terry who is acquisitions and operations director at Kola Studios (a leading mobile technology and games developer in the Country).
The responses from the attendees varied and concerns were raised on major themes like Educational Reform, Creativity, the Role of Government, Expanding the Space for innovation, Broader Definitions of innovation not exclusive to Technology and many more.
Perhaps one of the most notable questions or responses was centered on the need to diversify our thinking so as not to restrict our creativity to competitive platforms and to strive much more to return to the basics of business and enterprise.
I have attended two similar events one hosted by Outboxhub and organized Pivot East (July 27th 2012) as well as another hosted by Hivecolab and organized by Demo-Africa (October 27th 2012).
Broadly speaking the groups which organize these events are built to harness the innovative skills of African users in an effort to solve local problems. Over the years some categories have emerged based on challenges that are unique to the African setting. Naturally, Mobile Technology and its rise in prominence has contributed to much of the excitement and as a result fueled the drive to create technology related solutions.
While other sectors such as tourism, industry have also benefitted, the rest the continents attention has been focused on Health and Agriculture.
Having realized that shift from the Northern hemisphere to the Southern Hemisphere both in terms of religious fervor and development, a corresponding movement has taken place whose major thrust has been towards youth. Nations are realizing that in order to plan effectively for their futures, they need to involve the young people.
The meeting for the Innovation Prize for Africa therefore took place under these major global challenges and shifts.
The choice of participants was interesting and worth noting.
The event's main speaker was Woman of Rwandese descent Ms Pauline Mujawamaria. She described her organization and it's history as well as it's focus on bridging the divide between Innovators and Funders. In addition to this she mentioned the three pronged approach to innovation which includes Material Resources, Educational Entities and Human Capital.
The round table discussion was moderated by Michael Nyitegeka, whose experience in Makerere placed him in a very unique position to identify with innovators and students and whose interaction of Educators and policy makers has given him access to some very influential people.
For Panelists, there was Mirembe Drake Patrick formerly of the Faculty of Information Technology at Makerere who now works closely with another innovative institution (which is linking Business, Information Technology and Management). Also present was Okello Joshua who helped create an application that is trying to Reduce the Cost of Imaging for Expectant Mothers. The third panelist was Karungi Terry who is acquisitions and operations director at Kola Studios (a leading mobile technology and games developer in the Country).
The responses from the attendees varied and concerns were raised on major themes like Educational Reform, Creativity, the Role of Government, Expanding the Space for innovation, Broader Definitions of innovation not exclusive to Technology and many more.
Perhaps one of the most notable questions or responses was centered on the need to diversify our thinking so as not to restrict our creativity to competitive platforms and to strive much more to return to the basics of business and enterprise.
Comments
Post a Comment