Kenyan start-ups are set to reap from enhanced targeted support following a deal between Konza Technopolis and nine other smart cities.
Konza Technopolis CEO, John Paul Okwiri says under the deal, the smart cities will pursue a number of objectives such as exchange and collaboration of start-ups by provision of start-up spaces to operate and grow, offering necessary infrastructure and facilities, recruitment of skilled personnel to drive innovation and operational excellence.
“The MOU aims to bolster the development of Smart Cities through targeted support for start-ups, enhanced bio industry capabilities and global partnerships with the aim of creating sustainable and innovative Smart City ecosystems,” Okwiri said.
The deal also involves the smart cities organizing Start-up Idea Competition to nurture innovative ideas and solutions in various fields such as healthcare and biotech industries as well as fintech.
“These competitions offer a platform for new entrepreneurs to present their concepts and receive support for implementation,” Okwiri said.
The deal, dubbed INCHEON Smart City Summit Initiative, was signed up with Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority of Korea, Zamfara State and Benue State both from Nigeria, Dakar City, Senegal, Lukumo City and Lusaka City of Zambia, Mumbai Metropolitan Regions Development Authority of Maharashtra, India and Deoria City from Uttar Pradesh.
To track progress, the participating cities will engage in regular communication and meetings to discuss challenges encountered and opportunities available to the start-ups, share data, insights and best practices to facilitate mutual learning and collaboration, allocate resources and support for the implementation of the agreed-upon actions and foster an inclusive environment that encourages innovation, sustainability and equitable growth within the smart city initiatives.
