Nairobi County, in collaboration with prominent digital economy players and startup ecosystems, is gearing up to host the eagerly anticipated Innovate Nairobi 2023 Climate Change Hackathon.
The event, set to take place at The Wee Centre on September 7th, marks a significant milestone in promoting sustainable solutions and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, civil society organizations (CSOs) and emerging startups.
The hackathon is a result of the broader efforts initiated during the Innovate Nairobi Tech Week 2023, aimed at facilitating partnerships and exploring models of value creation that empower young innovators and grant them access to substantial economic opportunities.
As climate change remains a pressing global issue, the event is timely and aligned with the objectives of the African Climate Summit 2023, scheduled from September 4th to 6th, 2023, which centers on catalyzing climate-positive growth and financing solutions for Africa and beyond.
The summit’s theme 2023 is : “Driving Green Growth and Climate Finance Solutions for Africa and the World.”
Key players in the hackathons include prominent entities such as Africa’s Talking, The Weee Centre, Circular IHub, and ANDE.
The host venue, The Wee Centre, is known for its pivotal role in managing the collection, recovery, and recycling of waste electrical items, contributing to sustainable waste management practices.
Speaking about the event, Nairobi City County Chief Officer of Digital Economy and Startup, Victor Agolla highlighted that the hackathon seeks to achieve multiple objectives.
Firstly, it aims to spur collaboration between young innovators and the county government to collectively address challenges and devise innovative solutions aligned with the concept of a “Smart Nairobi”.
Secondly, it serves as a sandbox for budding innovators to prototype and refine their solutions, increasing their likelihood of attracting investment and further development.
“Lastly, the hackathon underscores the commitment to creating economic opportunities for the youth, in
line with the manifesto of Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja and J. Njoroge Muchiri, by leveraging technology as an enabler,” The CCO noted.
With climate change at the forefront, the hackathon’s importance is magnified by its focus on sustainable solutions.
It encourages participants to think creatively and contribute towards a greener and more resilient future.
“As climate issues continue to gain global attention, Nairobi’s commitment to hosting this event
exemplifies its dedication to being a hub of innovation and positive change,” he added.
In a groundbreaking event that showcased the remarkable strides in Kenya’s innovation landscape, the recently concluded Innovate Nairobi Tech Week 2023 emerged as a significant win for the country’s burgeoning innovation ecosystem.
With a focus on fostering technological growth and nurturing young talent, the event saw a cohort of 50 youths receive intensive training in various tech disciplines. Spearheaded by leading educational institution, Moringa School, this initiative not only equips the youth with essential skills but also paves the way for future innovators and problem solvers.
Another highlight of the event was the coding training provided to 150 kids, recognizing the importance of starting early to ignite a passion for technology. This move ensures that Kenya’s future generation is well-prepared to navigate the digital landscape.
However, the impact didn’t stop at education and training. The event facilitated vital connections between 60 startups and potential investors, offering a platform for these emerging companies to showcase their groundbreaking ideas and innovations.
This bridge between startups and investors is expected to stimulate the growth of transformative solutions within the country.
More than 30 ecosystem convenings were held during the event, providing an invaluable opportunity for stakeholders to exchange insights, collaborate, and forge partnerships.
These included Moringa School, BlockChain Association of Kenya (BAK), Association of Startup & SMEs Enablers of Kenya; Association of Countrywide Innovation Hubs, Mwango Capital, Africa’s Talking, Edtech East Africa, Kenya National Federation of Jua Kali Associations; Cellulant, Autochek Kenya, Aspira Kenya, DTB Kenya; Gearbox Europlacer, Baraza Media Lab, SemaBOX Africa and GrowthAfrica just to mention but a few.
In conclusion, the TechWeek alias #InnovateNairobi2023 not only celebrated Kenya’s progress in innovation but also laid the foundation for even more dynamic growth in the future. With education, collaboration, and investment at its core, the event has undoubtedly marked a significant milestone for Nairobi County and Kenya’s innovation ecosystem.