China Mobile International (CMI) has launched a four-month innovation programme in Kenya to connect university students with industry expertise, mentorship and opportunities to develop technology solutions for commercial use.
The initiative was unveiled at the CMI Workshop and Hackathon for the Next Generation of Kenyan Innovators, held at the Radisson Blu, Nairobi Arboretum. It brings together CMI, the University of Nairobi and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
Kenya’s Principal Secretary for the State Department of ICT and Digital Economy, John Kipchumba Tanui, attended the launch, highlighting the role of local talent, research and innovation in advancing the country’s digital economy.
The programme will see student teams work on technology projects spanning cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), software engineering, the Internet of Things (IoT), data connectivity and big data analytics. Participants will also explore emerging fields such as digital twins, blockchain, cybersecurity and 5G.
Each team will be paired with a CMI sponsor to provide industry guidance as participants develop practical solutions. The programme prioritises working prototypes, measurable impact and technologies with the potential to scale beyond the competition.
The top-performing team will receive corporate development support from CMI to help advance its solution towards market deployment, creating a pathway from university-led innovation to potential commercial applications.
The initiative also places emphasis on gender-balanced teams, with the aim of encouraging broader participation in Kenya’s technology and innovation ecosystem.
Tanui called for stronger collaboration between industry and academia, urging stakeholders to help students move their ideas beyond competitions and awards towards pilot projects, new businesses and job creation. He also encouraged participants to use the mentorship opportunities and cross-institutional collaboration to turn prototypes into viable products and enterprises.
The programme is being coordinated with support from stakeholders including Terry Leung, Regional Managing Director for Africa at China Mobile International, and Dr Lawrence Nderu, founder and project lead of JHUB Africa.
Registration for eligible students at the University of Nairobi and JKUAT closes on 2 November 2026, while final presentations are scheduled for 27 February 2027.
