@iLabAfrica - @iLabAfrica

10Aug 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

Scaling Beyond Borders: A Guide Strategy for Startups and SMEs

Navigating the startup journey is akin to traversing a winding road fraught with challenges. There are many trials, from surviving the pivotal first year in the market to crafting a distinct brand identity and fostering a loyal customer base. However, even after establishing a foothold in the industry, a new mountain emerges: scaling the business. This phase presents its own set of hurdles, including inadequate funding, suboptimal managerial practices, and navigating through sometimes unfavorable government policies. These challenges are particularly pronounced in Kenya, yet they also offer opportunities for innovative solutions and strategic growth. @iBizAfrica in partnership with WYLDE International hosted a startup and SME mentorship session on themed, ‘Navigating Growth Challenges Scales Strategies for African Startups and SMEs’ to delve into the intricacies of scaling startups in Kenya and…

23Jul 2024 by @iLabAfrica 1 Comment

Immersive Learning: Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Education

Artificial Intelligence

In an era defined by rapid technological advancement, it is no wonder that artificial intelligence has emerged as a transformative force across various fields such as fintech, banking, retail, and recently education. From personalized learning experiences to administrative efficiency, Artificial Intelligence tools have been deployed in learning institutions across the globe with over 60% of educators using AI in their classrooms according to Forbes Advisor. Despite AI’s popularity in the educational landscape especially with Open AI’s ChatGPT becoming a constant helper with students’ assignments with over 100 million users according to UNESCO, educators and experts are skeptical about Artificial Intelligence taking center stage and instead predict it will play a supporting role in the teaching process assisting educators with administrative tasks hence the time spent on those tasks can be…

16Jul 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

Artificial Intelligence: What have you done for me lately?

Artificial Intelligence

July 16th is a day we commemorate Artificial Intelligence Appreciation Day which seeks to highlight the positive achievements of A.I. technology to humanity while also shining a spotlight on A.I. ethics. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept; it's a dynamic force shaping industries and transforming societies globally. AI is becoming a game-changer in Kenya, driving innovation and offering solutions to local challenges. As we delve into the latest trends and advancements, it's clear that AI is not just a buzzword—it's a reality reshaping the Kenyan landscape profoundly and this is how AI has made an impact in Agriculture, Healthcare and Civic Education Empowering Agriculture One of the most impactful applications of AI in Kenya is in the agricultural sector. With over 70% of the population relying on…

15Jul 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

AI Revolutionising Education: A Story of Innovation and Inclusion

Artificial Intelligence, Innovation & Incubation

No one can deny Artificial Intelligence is revolutionising many industries and education is no exception. It is clear that AI’s role in learning is expanding quickly, and AI is already transforming the way we learn and teach. On June 24th & 25th, 2024, in the picturesque setting of Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland, two innovative minds from @iBizAfrica Incubation Centre - Strathmore University, Maxwell Opondo and Lexi Syoluka, showcased their innovative ideas at the Global Learning Council’s Annual Meeting. This opportunity came after their exceptional performance in the GLC HP Strathmore Hackathon, a program by the Global Learning Council (GLC), HP, and @iBizAfrica Incubation Centre. Breaking Down Barriers with AI Maxwell’s Zerobionic aims to address the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities by utilising a robotic arm that translates signs and gestures into…

11Jul 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

Victor Nzioka’s Inspirational Return to School After 14 Years

Data Science

‘Imagine balancing a demanding job, intense coursework, and family life all at once – it was like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle!’ Meet Victor Nzioka, husband, Enterprise Manager at KWAL, girl dad, and recent graduate of Master in Data Science and Analytics to add to his long list of accomplishments. Victor’s journey is a testament to George Herbert’s famous quote, ‘Where there is a will there's a way.’ He returned to school after establishing himself in his career to pursue his passion for data science. A decision that many would shy away from further solidified Victor’s determination to pursue his passion despite facing adversity. Mr. Nzioka, a man of relentless activity, bestowed upon us a rare honor by sparing his valuable time to reflect and recount his journey…

26Jun 2024 by @iLabAfrica 3 Comments

Zaibu Juma: Eradicating Malaria Through Data Science

Data Science

Zaibu Juma is on a mission. A mission to eradicate malaria as stipulated in the 3rd UN Sustainable Development Goal, Good Health and Wellbeing. He is in the process of creating a deep-learning model that can be used to classify mosquito larvae as either microsporidium positive or negative. This is because microsporidia is a parasite known to hinder the development of plasmodium which causes malaria. The model can be accessed via a smartphone which records video data and then provides a classification report on the phone. ‘One of the reasons that inspired me to do this project is because malaria is a real problem in Kenya. It was one of the diseases that have been earmarked by Kenya's Mission 2030 and the United Nations' sustainable development goals and working on…

25Jun 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

CIO Leadership Programme: Empowering Information Officers for Leadership Roles.

Leadership

Graduation is one of life’s major accomplishments. It is a day for the graduates’ hard work, resilience, and dedication to be celebrated. For the CIO Leadership Programme, this inaugural graduation ceremony marked the physical manifestation of years of hard work, planning, and collaborating to make this programme a possibility and for the graduates the extra sprinkle of being the first cohort of many more. Friday 31st May 2024 found the Microsoft auditorium filled with cheers, good-humoured banter, and an overall sense of accomplishment as the small but mighty class of eight celebrated the day with their family and lecturers. The event started with opening remarks by Dr. Joseph Sevilla, The Director of the CIO leadership programme, who commenced the event on a cheerful note remarking on the presence of the…

24Jun 2024 by @iLabAfrica 2 Comments

Coding Hacks I Wish I Knew as a Newbie: Emmanuel Kweyu

E-Health

2021 saw a rise in demand for software programmers as the world fully embraced the digital era due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This demand spread across the globe like wildfire, in Kenya tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Africa Development Centre set up offices, investing millions of dollars into hiring local talent. The demand for programmers shows no signs of slowing down as businesses continue to digitalize and new technologies emerge, as their need intensifies. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, it is estimated that by 2025, technological automation will also create around 97 million new job opportunities in predominantly technology-focused industries, further emphasizing the importance of programming skills. So before you leap into this exciting world of 1s and 0s, it is important to seek insights…

13Jun 2024 by @iLabAfrica 2 Comments

@iLabAfrica and Save the Children Join Forces for Child Well-Being

Research & Innovation

@iLabAfrica at Strathmore University celebrated a significant milestone by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Save the Children International, Kenya, on Tuesday, May 21st, 2024. This collaboration is set to leverage @iLabAfrica's expertise in data analysis and processing to assist Save the Children in comprehensively understanding infant mortality trends based on data collected from over 210 countries. In his remarks, Mr. Ahmed Osman, Acting Director at Save the Children, highlighted the alignment between @iLabAfrica and Save the Children's initiatives focused on care and development. This acknowledgment underscored the significance of the MoU signing as a foundation for further collaboration on projects related to digital child protection, education for underprivileged children from the basic level upwards, and reducing child mortality. While addressing the importance of child protection and advocacy, Mr.…

12Jun 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

Strathmore University Leading the Pack in Unlocking Africa’s Potential with 3D Printing Technology

IoT & Wireless Networks

@iLabAfrica Innovation & Research Centre in Strathmore University is hosting a 2-week 3D Modelling, Design, and Printing Course that shall commence on June 17th. The program will provide participants with the right theoretical aspects and the hands-on skills and knowledge they need to become experts in this field. When you think of 3D printing, you might conjure futuristic technology seemingly reserved for the affluent corners of the world. 3D printing is breaking barriers, becoming increasingly accessible and affordable even in middle-income nations like Kenya. This groundbreaking technology is already weaving its transformative threads into the fabric of the Kenyan economy, and the horizon of its potential is boundless. For those who might not be familiar, 3D printing is a marvel of modern engineering. It’s a process where three-dimensional objects are…

Author: @iLabAfrica