Karatina University has launched the KARU Innovate 360 Degree Programme (KI3P), a flagship student innovation initiative designed to equip students with practical skills to develop solutions to real-world problems and translate their ideas into intellectual property, products, services, enterprises and community impact.
The programme, implemented through the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Extension, was formally launched through a two-day foundational training that brought together student innovators, mentors, facilitators, intellectual property experts and University management representatives. The training marked the beginning of an innovation journey that will run from August 2026 to June 2027.
Prof. Richard Kiai the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Finance and Administration) addressing the audience during the launch
The training equipped participants with practical skills in entrepreneurship, innovation methodologies, user-centred design and intellectual property. Participants explored opportunity identification, customer needs, value propositions, business models and venture development through a business simulation based on the Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) model.
Participants were also introduced to human-centred innovation, problem identification and idea development, enabling teams to define priority problems, identify intended users and develop solution concepts. The training further exposed students to intellectual property rights, including patents, utility models, industrial designs, trademarks, copyright and trade secrets.
Participants keenly following through the discussions
The intellectual property sessions also addressed ownership, documentation, confidentiality and protection pathways. Participants developed initial innovation records and identified potential intellectual property assets within their ideas and ventures.
Through the training, participants developed draft user profiles, problem statements, solution concepts and action plans, while also connecting with mentors, intellectual property experts and enterprise support services. The programme adopts a multipath approach to innovation impact, recognising pathways including intellectual property protection and licensing, community implementation, further research and development, and industry partnerships alongside enterprise creation.
Going forward, innovation teams will receive continued mentorship and may be referred to incubation, prototyping, market validation and intellectual property advisory services. The programme will also conduct follow-up clinics and quarterly mentorship sessions to support teams at different stages of their innovation journey.
The launch of KI3P marks a significant step in strengthening student innovation at Karatina University by providing a structured pathway from problem identification to solution development and eventual impact. By June 2027, the programme is expected to generate tangible innovation outputs, including prototypes, products, services, intellectual property, community interventions, research and development initiatives and industry partnerships.
The programme reflects Karatina University’s True North of providing solutions to communities through research and innovation and strengthens the University’s commitment to empowering students to turn their creativity, research and ideas into innovations that address real-world challenges.
Dr. Kioko Mwania addressing the audience during the closing ceremony
On the other hand, Dr. Kioko Mwania, representing the National Research Fund, reaffirmed NRF’s commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen the link between research and policy. He encouraged the participants to apply the skills gained during the training in communicating their research and engaging policymakers.
The participants pose for a group photo after the launch of the programme.