East African universities explore startup partnerships
ZANZIBAR: UNIVERSITIES across East Africa are exploring ways to transform research and academic knowledge into startup businesses during a three-day Faculty Exchange Programme held in Zanzibar.
The programme, organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras Zanzibar, has brought together university leaders, policymakers and innovation experts across the region.
Held from March 4 to 6, the exchange is implemented under UNDP’s FUNGUO Programme with support from the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
The initiative aims to help universities strengthen systems that enable research, talent and innovation developed in academic institutions to be converted into viable businesses, capable of creating jobs and supporting economic growth.
Opening the forum, Principal Secretary in Zanzibar’s Ministry of Communication, Information Technology and Innovation, Ms Fatma Mabrouk Khamis, called for stronger collaboration between universities, industry and government to support entrepreneurship and innovation.
She said universities should play a central role in promoting innovation and developing solutions that respond to real challenges facing communities.
“We must ensure that our institutions produce solutions that create businesses, generate jobs and improve the lives of our people,” she said.
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Head of UNDP’s Zanzibar Sub-Office, Mr Godfrey Nyamrunda, said universities are an important part of the country’s innovation ecosystem and can help drive economic transformation by supporting young innovators.
“Through the FUNGUO Programme, we are strengthening partnerships and systems that allow young innovators to move from ideas to sustainable businesses,” he said.
Hosting the programme, Director-in-Charge of IIT Madras Zanzibar, Professor Prabhu Rajagopal, said universities must move beyond traditional roles of knowledge production and actively support venture creation.
He said stronger cooperation between universities and industry is essential for turning research into practical solutions and commercially viable enterprises.
Participants are also sharing experiences and lessons from leading international institutions on strengthening innovation governance, intellectual property management and partnerships with industry.
The programme will conclude with a Student Innovation Showcase and the development of an action plan aimed at strengthening cooperation among universities and innovation institutions across East Africa.
