St. Paul’s University (SPU) has launched a week-long training program under its Innovation and Entrepreneurship Park (iPARK) to equip students with solutions to the many challenges facing society today.
Prof. Abraham Waithima, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, stated that the training aims to help students become more creative and innovative, enabling them to start their own businesses and bring new ideas to reality.
Prof. Waithima noted that the sessions focus on shaping a “bio-entrepreneur” mindset while equipping students with essential skills in business modeling, startup creation, and marketing strategies.
”This initiative is designed to empower our student trainees and transform their innovative ideas into viable bio-economy ventures,” Prof. Waithima said.
SPU is partnering with Handong Global University from South Korea, a respected institution in bio-capacity building programs aimed at nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship. SPU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Esther Mombo highlighted that the two institutions have maintained a strong relationship for 13 years.
”The training will offer our trainees a unique opportunity to interact with experienced CEOs from bio-related industries. This provides valuable insights, mentorship, and real-world perspectives on innovation-driven enterprises,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
The event, currently taking place at the SPU Main Campus in Limuru, Kiambu County, is scheduled to end this Friday. The closing ceremony will feature a competition to identify and reward the best innovations.
”This is part of our commitment to encouraging our innovators. Our role is to mentor those innovations,” Prof. Waithima added. “Without the right training, it is difficult to guide people on how to execute these ideas.”
Among the speakers interacting with the students are Parrivartan Sharma, Co-founder of Ecolooo Solutions Africa, and Dr. Moses Kinyua, CEO of Thika Water and Sewerage Company.
Mr. Sharma introduced students to his invention—an organic composter that provides smart waste management solutions for homes and workplaces. He explained that the composter produces solid and liquid compost, which serves as an effective fertilizer for farming.
