Previously branded as the Kampala Innovation Week (KIW), innovators from the central region and mainly the Kampala domain benefitted from their participation. Now, the rebrand to Uganda Innovation Week (UIV) seeks to give all startup owners in Uganda platform to show case their innovations as the Startup Uganda Vice Chairperson noted.

“The country’s innovation landscape stretches far beyond just the city of Kampala, and we thought it was high time the innovation week actively recognized that.

We are looking to get startup ecosystem stakeholders from all across the country involved in the crucial discussions we will be having at Uganda Innovation Week, and this move towards inclusivity will assist with that agenda.”

Jean K. Makki, the Vice Chairperson, Startup Uganda

Inspite of active growth of the startup ecosystem in Uganda that has seen the country join the Top 10 list of fastest growing startup ecosystems in Africa, there is a need to encourage innovation and support more entrepreneurs in the country as amplified by the 2022 UIW theme Uganda’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: Unlocking the Missing Links.

To attract entrepreneurs across the country, Startup Uganda is running a video challenge through which shortlisted innovators will be able to attend the Uganda Innovation Week in person and engage with multiple mentors, entrepreneurs, and thought mentors.

Startup Uganda is running a video challenge that will allow shortlisted entrepreneurs from across the country to attend the event in person and engage with different thought leaders, mentors, and fellow entrepreneurs.

In partnership for the Uganda Innovation Week, Startup Uganda has a coalition with United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), International Trade Center (ITC), National Social Security Fund (NSSF), and Village Capital to host the event in November this year.

Panel discussions, masterclasses, and workshops will feature at the event through which innovators will contribute to the theme attracting engagement, formations and networking with other entrepreneurs at the Uganda Innovation Week (UIW).

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.

Due to the current COVID19 Pandemic, the 2020 edition of the event will be held online from 26th to 28th November 2020.

By bringing together startups, social innovators, investors, corporations, development partners, Government Ministries, and Agencies. This year’s edition will focus on the impact of COVID19 on local Innovations.

Under the theme ” Recovery & Resilience: Innovation and Entrepreneurship as a tool for the youth“. The event will have broad discussions on the general impact of the current COVID19 Pandemic on ENterepeurneyo[ and Innovation in Uganda.

How to Register and Participate in Kampala Innovation Week 2020

Given the fact that this year’s KIW round will be held online due to Social distance as a mandatory safety measure. Over 2000 attendees are expected to engage with speakers and peers online.

The virtual experience will include interactive discussions from thought leaders in Uganda’s Innovation ecosystem. As a spoiler alert, foreseen topics include:

• Shifting from damage control to sustainable renewed methods of conducting business
• Policy and investment dialogue for ‘the new normal
• Staying ahead of the curve in order to thrive and not just survive

To register for the event, attendees are required to pre-register through Zoom via: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/6315981219770/WN_DVGJ-t8VRceeNVFlC2kIqQ

By the same token, Startups are urged to apply for the Online Pitching session. Uniquely, 10 Ideas/companies will be selected for the Event’s Pitching session and vetting process by Startup Uganda.

What to expect: The My Startup Story Campaign

In a bid to create a firm ground for the 2020 edition of Kampala Innovation Week, the organizers have created an online competition trailing with the tagline “My Startup Story” where startups older than 1 year are encouraged to participate.

In the campaign, Participants are be required to upload videos of their startup’s journey. Every Fortnite, the campaign will be marketed on various social media platforms under 6 categories.

To participate, startup owners must record a 1minute long creative video highlighting their Startup story, and how have adapted to the current COVID19 Pandemic. The 6 qualifying categories include:

• Agriculture
• Health
• Education
• Communication
• Energy
• Creative Industries