Event report
Strengthening Academia-Industry Collaboration
Bridging Academia and Industry|Highlights from the UoN Corporate Advisory Breakfast
Today, we had the incredible opportunity to attend the Corporate Advisory Committee Breakfast Briefing, hosted in partnership with the University of Nairobi (UoN).
The session was opened by Brian Ouma Chief Operations Officer and Director, Directorate of University Advancement and Institutional Development, who emphasized UoNâs commitment to fostering stronger academia-industry linkages. A key highlight was the transformative Engineering & Science Complex (ESC) â a 30,000 sqm world-class facility set to redefine engineering and scientific education.
With support from the Agence Française de DĂ©veloppement in Eastern Africa, this complex will serve as a collaborative space for academia, industry, and innovationâdelivered through a multi-partner effort involving over 60 UoN staff members and French higher education institutions.
Looking ahead, UoN is gearing up for the AU-EU Research & Innovation Summit 2026, signaling an even deeper commitment to global partnerships in research and development.
Marc Zolver, the International Expert at the University of Nairobi, provided a detailed presentation on the ESC project and its transformative potential:
Some of the key benefits from this project would include:
- The project offers diverse corporate investment and support opportunities, including startup incubation, innovation chairs, funded research projects, and international program participation.
- Collaboration channels remain open through the University of Nairobi and the French Chamber of Commerce, with opportunities spanning across HR, student, and faculty engagement.
- Skills development remains a core focus, with workshops, field visits, and inclusive HR engagement initiatives.
- There was the launch of The African School on Climate Change Adaptation (ASCCA) as a two-week intensive program, combining academic and experiential learning for local and international participants.
Special thanks to all of our members and partners who participated in the session. We look forward to further collaborations!
