The Incubation and Innovation Center (I2C) equips graduate students and alumni with the tools and network to become a globally minded social entrepreneur, where the bottom lines are trifold: people, planet and profit. I2C at USIU-A is in the business of creating a better world, improving the lives of people, while building profitable ventures. I2C seeks to provide sustainable and social enterprise solutions to some of the most stubborn issues of our time including poverty, disease, malnutrition and environmental degradation. I2C envisions its incubatees to go on to create and operate for-profit and nonprofit startups, non-governmental organizations, and to work in multinational companies that champion social and environmental objectives while delivering solid returns on investment.
I2C operates distinctly compared to other Kenyan university incubators through its uniquely socially conscious orientation. I2C endeavors to convert research and scientific discovery into actionable enterprise solutions that improve lives across the globe. I2C turns theoretical classroom concepts into practical actions for students with tangible measurable outcomes. Instead of learning about what is entrepreneurship, journalism, information technology, or international relations, as examples, students apply practical principles in real world markets and graduate from USIU-Africa with an actual business, innovation, or NGO.
I2C History at USIU-Africa
The I2C, formerly the New Economy Venture Accelerator (NEVA), started in 2012 as a 24,000,000 Kenyan shilling joint initiative between USIU-Africa and Colorado State University (CSU) in partnership with USAID and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). I2C exists as a center under the United States International University - Africa (USIU-A) School of Graduate Studies. I2C provides entrepreneurship training, advisement, mentoring, linkages, and work space for student and alumni-run ventures. Selected business ideas are incubated for a 12-month period to develop the idea and to better position it for a successful launch. I2C endeavors to support innovators and to become an integral part of the East African entrepreneurship ecosystem by providing students with real-life experiences, mentoring, advising, connection to resources, and funding with the ultimate goal of creating self-sustaining, funding-ready ventures. I2C supports social business pre-incubation and incubation, entrepreneurship training and coaching, and fostering broad innovative thinking in the broader USIU-A and beyond.
The graphics below presents a comprehensive overview of the various initiatives that contribute to the vibrant innovation ecosystem at I2C. It begins by illustrating the "feeder initiatives," both formal and informal, that serve as entry points for students and alumni. Subsequently, it details the pre-incubation activities available, designed to equip and empower participants for the rigorous incubation process. Finally, the graphic culminates by showcasing the core incubation programming, representing the pinnacle of incubation and innovation opportunities offered on campus.
Incubate: Ready to transform your innovative idea?
I2C is a one-stop shop for aspiring student entrepreneurs. Speak to us at I2C and discover the tricks of turning your passion and hobbies into profit. I2C serves as a launchpad for student and alumni innovators and entrepreneurs, offering a comprehensive ecosystem of resources. From co-working spaces and expert mentorship to research facilities and training programs. I2C also connects entrepreneurs with funding opportunities and networks, paving the way for success.
Application Description
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) has financed a programme entitled EMPOWERING ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS IN GREEN & BLUE ECONOMY IN MED AND AFRICA REGION (Startup10). CIHEAM Bari, as implementing body of the programme, will be responsible for its execution from October 2023 and for a period of two (02) years.
The Startup10 programme aims to promote food security and youth employment in ten (10) Italian cooperation partner countries (Albania, Algeria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Tunisia and Uganda) in partnership with a total of 22 incubators (Annex 1). By building the capacity of business incubators (implementing partners of the programme) the project aims to encourage the development of local start-ups operating in the green and blue economy sectors and involved in digitalization processes.
CIHEAM Bari is the organizing body of the present call whose aim is to select 140 startups operating in the green and blue economy.
Conditions of participation and eligibility
Eligibility Criteria
Applications are done in the name of a company. Personal applications will not be accepted. To apply to the present Startup10 call, companies must be formally registered since at least 1 year from the deadline of the present call in the country where it operates.
The company must commit to the StartUp10 call by indicating in the application form the names of the team members who will participate in the program and their roles in the company.
To be selected the company needs to demonstrate that it is bringing an innovative and feasible project in the field of green economy/blue economy, with a particular focus on at least one of the following topics:
Selection Criteria
The selection of winners is based on the following main criteria:
a. Positive impact on the environment and response to the Sustainable Development Goals: max 20 points
b. Technical and financial feasibility: max 10 points.
c. Market knowledge and project viability: max 10 points.
d. Innovative dimension: max 10 points
Based on the above criteria, an initial shortlist of 7 applications per country will be made by a Selection Committee to be held by May 10, 2024. An email notification will be sent to applicants by each incubator partner within five (5) days of the selection committee’s decision. The Selection Committee will be composed of expert appointed by STARTUP10 partners and the final selection will be done in agreement with CIHEAM Bari Coordination team.
Implementing Partners |
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