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 importance of local talent, research and innovation in advancing the country’s digital economy.
Student teams will work on projects covering cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), software engineering, the Internet of Things (IoT), data connectivity and big data analytics. They will also explore emerging technologies, including digital twins, blockchain, cybersecurity and 5G.
Each team will be paired with a CMI sponsor who will 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 move its solution towards market deployment. This is intended to create a pathway from university-led innovation to potential commercial applications.
The programme also emphasises gender-balanced teams to encourage broader participation in Kenya’s technology and innovation ecosystem.
Tanui called for stronger collaboration between industry and academia, encouraging stakeholders to help students advance their ideas beyond competitions and awards towards pilot projects, new businesses and job creation. He also urged participants to use mentorship and collaboration between institutions to develop viable products and enterprises.
The initiative 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. Final presentations are scheduled for 27 February 2027.
