The 2021 edition of the Kampala Innovation Week has been unveiled, organized by Startup Uganda in partnership with UNCDF, KAS Uganda, UNDP, Enabel and support from several sponsors, this year’s event is scheduled to take place from 22nd to 26th November 2021.
This year’s edition will greatly focus is on innovation for national development with highlights from startups that have stood over time, creatively developed solutions tailored the COVID19 pandemic and solved common population problems in line with national development.
Set to be hosted as a hybrid event under the theme, “Harnessing the power of innovation and entrepreneurship for Uganda’s digital transformation and job creation”. The 2021 Kampala Innovation Week will bring together innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, development partners and government stake holders.
Discussions will be tailored around wins, misses and opportunities for growth in the innovation space. Participants will explore the role of inniovators and entrepreneurs in achieving Uganda’s long term development ambitions in a time period of 5 days at the event as the Startup Uganda Vice chairperson inked.
“It is a crucial time for the innovation space in Uganda. Our responses to the effects of the pandemic especially within the sectors of agriculture, education, and health are going to be great determinants of the economic trajectory in years to come. Making sure that spaces like Kampala Innovation Week are kept alive is a critical part of this development,” said Jean Kukunda, Vice Chairperson of Startup Uganda and Director at Design Hub Kampala.
Prior to the 5 day Kampala Innovation Week, 2 weeks of pre-event activities that include online masterclasses and sessions from various stakeholders within the Ugandan Startup Ecosystem will be held. Key segments will benefit participants on how innovation and entrepreneurship can be harnessed for job creation and employment, with discussions on the links between digital technologies and community transformation.
At the event, some of the topics to be discussed will include Influencing and its career viability in Uganda, a much-needed conversation on mental health, entrepreneurship; and a discussion on the state of the education system that has been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Uganda has witnessed a growth in the innovation culture, though as a country we are yet to achieve a strong innovation ecosystem. By supporting initiatives like the Kampala Innovation Week, UNCDF aims to facilitate systemic growth of a vibrant innovation ecosystem, that will in turn spur development of an inclusive digital economy,” said Chris Lukolyo, UNCDF Digital Lead in Uganda.
As an event that looks to celebrate innovation in the startup ecosystem, participants can expect to digest key information from current leaders in the space, such as, Daniel Ruyonga of Teheca, Lynda Kembabazi of KAINO, Nathalie Dijkman of SEMA, Esther Karwera of Akorion Company Limited, among others.
Also, talented achievers from across the continent will grace with Startup Uganda leveraging relationships with partners like Afri-labs and Impact Rooms to host thought leaders such as the Ghanaian entrepreneur and leadership development expert, Fred Swaniker, BBC’s Nancy Kacungira, among others expected to join the event virtually.
With a target of 20,000 virtual participants at the event, the 2021 Kampala Innovation Week will be bigger and better than the previous 2020 edition with a higher number of speakers, participants and innovators slated to join the event. Curently, registrations for the event are now open on the KIW website.