KARATINA UNIVERSITY TRAINS STUDENTS ON INNOVATION COMMERCIALIZATION – Karatina University

Karatina University, through the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Extension, successfully conducted a two-day student training workshop on innovation and commercialization on 28th and 29th January 2026 at the University Conference Hall. The workshop was organized in collaboration with Viktoria Ventures, a leading ecosystem platform supporting early-stage innovation and investment across Sub-Saharan Africa. Dubbed the “Curate, Create & Catalyze Innovation Workshop,” the training aimed to bridge the gap between academic creativity and market application by equipping students with practical skills to refine, package, and commercialize innovative ideas. The programme attracted 31 students drawn from diverse academic disciplines.

The participants keenly following the presentation by one of the facilitators.

Opening the workshop, the A.g. Director of Research, Innovation and Extension, Prof. Kellen Kiambati, emphasized the importance of nurturing a culture of innovation that translates academic ideas into sustainable and scalable solutions. She encouraged students to think beyond project completion and focus on value creation and societal impact.

On the other hand, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic, Research and Student Affairs), Prof. Franklin Wabwoba, challenged participants to embrace entrepreneurial thinking and view themselves as potential job creators, noting commercialization as a key driver of national development.

Prof. Franklin Wabwoba, Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, Research and Student Affairs addressing the audience the workshop

The training was facilitated by Ms. Elizabeth Odima and Mr. Daniel Midega from Viktoria Ventures, the training covered innovation mindset development, market-oriented thinking, business model design, commercialization pathways, and intellectual property protection. Students were also taken through pitching techniques and received expert feedback on their ideas.

The workshop showcased a wide range of student innovations spanning digital health, agriculture, artificial intelligence, business solutions, tourism, mental health, and media services—highlighting Karatina University’s strong multidisciplinary innovation potential.

By the end of the training, participants demonstrated improved confidence, clearer value propositions, and a better understanding of the innovation-to-market journey. The workshop further strengthened collaboration between Karatina University and external innovation ecosystem partners, reinforcing the University’s commitment to nurturing research-driven innovation and enterprise development among students.

Participants pose for a group photo with Prof. Franklin Wabwoba, DVC (ARSA), Prof. Kellen Kiambati, Acting Director, Research, Innovation and Extension, and facilitators from Victoria Ventures after the successful conclusion of the training.