The winners of the Global Innovation Week – a unique programme of intense networking and mentorship – will be announced tonight. Our 10 finalists gathered this week from eight countries across the world to compete for a £65,000 grant.
Speaking at the opening of the week Patricia Nyaundi, Secretary to the Commission of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights addressed participants:
You are now in positions of leadership. You have been selected by your fellow citizens and your peers as the best of the best. I urge you to take on the challenge that Nelson Mandela issued by rising to be the ordinary men and women who became the makers of history.
Patricia Nyaundi, Secretary to the Commission of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights
On Day One and Day Two finalists experienced an intense programme of mentorship in the following areas: Data Visualisation (Aurelia Moser), Government Engagement (Regina Opondo & Peter Mwamachi), Technology (Hapee de Groot & Sebastian Mitchell, Disability Rights (Fred Ouko), Gender & Rural Outreach (Winnie Kinaro), Transparency & Accountability (Duncan Edwards) and Entrepreneurship and Pitching (Ken Banks & Erik Hersman)
Finalists at Global Innovation Week
This was a rich process of knowledge sharing and learning. As contestant Kagiso Motsumi from South Africa said:
It’s a lot to learn in a short space of time, but because it’s so relevant and about what we’re actually working on, it’s something we will carry through even beyond the competition. Already we have won just be being here and collecting all of this information.
Finalist David Shields of GEM in Baba Dogo
On Day Three, finalists put their knowledge to the test with a trip to Baba dogo, a county an hour fromNairobi centre. Here, local citizens and leaders met to discuss employment, access to education, disability rights and healthcare.
Community discussions during Global Innovation Week
The debate was intense and after observing the interaction, finalists returned to the iHub to discuss themes relating to the programme.
GIC finalists and Baba Dogo community members at Global Innovation Week
As Innovation Director Daudi Were explained: “Making – what innovation tools could make this process more efficient? All – who was in this room and who needs to be there? Is it inclusive? Are all parts of society represented? Voices – even if they are here, are they given the chance to talk and participate? Count – How are government engaging? Are they taking on this feedback?”
Rafiqul Khokan and Tofazzel Hossain, Citizen Engagement to Implement Election Manifesto
Today, the Global Innovation Competition Jury have their final chance to meet with our innovators and discuss their solutions.
Innovators discuss their ideas with the Jury
Tonight at the Global Innovation Gala, contestants will make one final pitch of their idea before the winners are announced. This event will be livestreamed and accessible to view from 19.00 (EAT) on youtube.