Our Services &
Functions
A comprehensive ecosystem designed to nurture talent, accelerate startups, and drive technological innovation across Kaimosi and the region.
Innovation Development
KAFU iiHub provides a structured, end-to-end environment for turning creative ideas into functional, market-ready digital solutions. Whether you have a rough concept or a partially-built prototype, our team walks alongside you through every stage of the innovation lifecycle — from problem definition and ideation workshops through to user testing and deployment.
Who it's for
Students · Staff · Early-stage innovators · Academic researchers
- Structured ideation and design-thinking workshops
- Rapid prototyping support using industry-standard tools
- Access to development equipment, lab space, and software licences
- One-on-one technical mentorship with experienced developers
- Iterative feedback cycles with real users and stakeholders
- Demo days to pitch completed prototypes to partners and investors
Incubation & Acceleration
Our incubation programme provides the environment, resources, and strategic support that early-stage ventures need to grow. Accepted startups receive a dedicated workspace, access to mentors across technology and business disciplines, and structured exposure to funding opportunities — all within the KAFU campus ecosystem.
Who it's for
Startups · Entrepreneurs · Student ventures · Graduate founders
- Co-working space and dedicated desk allocation
- Business model development and lean startup coaching
- Financial modelling and investment-readiness training
- Introductions to angel investors, VCs, and grant opportunities
- Legal and IP guidance through university partnerships
- Cohort-based peer learning and team accountability sessions
Research Commercialization
KAFU iiHub acts as the bridge between the university's academic research capacity and the market. We help faculty members, researchers, and departments identify the commercial potential within their work and provide the tools, networks, and business development support needed to turn research outputs into products, services, or spin-off ventures.
Who it's for
Faculty · Academic researchers · Research departments · Postgraduate students
- Technology transfer and intellectual property (IP) advisory
- Market feasibility studies and product-market fit analysis
- Commercialization roadmapping and go-to-market strategy
- Industry partner introductions and co-development agreements
- Grant writing support for applied research funding
- Spin-off company formation guidance
Capacity Building
We believe sustainable innovation starts with skills. KAFU iiHub runs a continuous programme of training, workshops, and industry-partnered courses designed to close the gap between academic theory and the practical skills demanded by today's technology sector — for students, staff, and the wider community.
Who it's for
Students · Academic staff · Community members · Secondary school students
- Short courses in software development, AI, data science, and cybersecurity
- IBM SkillsBuild industry certification programme (free to participants)
- Peer-to-peer coding bootcamps and hackathon preparation
- Guest lectures and masterclasses from industry professionals
- Faculty digital upskilling workshops
- Community outreach programmes for secondary school students
Eco-system Linkages
No innovation hub exists in isolation. KAFU iiHub actively builds and maintains a rich web of strategic relationships — with technology companies, government agencies, NGOs, international universities, and regional startup ecosystems — to ensure that our community has access to opportunities, networks, and resources far beyond the university campus.
Who it's for
All stakeholders · Students · Faculty · Industry partners · Government bodies
- MoU and partnership agreements with industry and government
- Joint programmes with IBM, Oracle, STEMpower Africa, and others
- Internship and industrial attachment placement coordination
- Representation at regional and international innovation conferences
- Cross-institution collaborative research and innovation projects
- Alumni network and mentorship pipeline development
We Don't Just Build for Others — We Build for KAFU Too
KAFU iiHub designs, develops, and maintains the university's own core digital systems. From the KAFU Online Admission System to the KAFU AI Assistant, our team is at the forefront of the university's digital transformation.
Strategic Objectives
Seven guiding objectives that shape everything KAFU iiHub does — from daily operations to long-term strategy.
Foster a culture of innovation, creativity, and problem-solving across the university community.
Innovation CultureProvide incubation services including training, mentorship, and dedicated workspace.
Training & MentorshipFacilitate access to funding, investors, and markets for student and staff ventures.
EntrepreneurshipEncourage and strengthen university–industry–community collaborative relationships.
PartnershipsSupport the commercialization of research outputs into real-world products and services.
InnovationOffer internship and industrial attachment opportunities to build career-ready graduates.
Capacity BuildingDevelop and maintain KAFU's core digital systems to drive institutional ICT transformation.
ICT TransformationHave an idea or project? Let's talk.
Whether you're a student with a spark of an idea, a researcher with a marketable output, or an institution looking to collaborate — KAFU iiHub is ready to work with you.
Get in Touch