Blog - @iLabAfrica

19Dec 2024 by @iLabAfrica

Breaking Boundaries: How The NMG Hackathon Winners Redefined Innovation

In November, Strathmore University in collaboration with the Nation Media Group (NMG) hosted the inaugural Pre-summit hackathon ahead of the 3rd Annual Global Data and Artificial Intelligence Summit (GDSAI) to demonstrate how Artificial Intelligence can advance the creation, distribution, and consumption of media in the media industry. It brought together media enthusiasts, scholars, and professionals from various institutions including Strathmore University, ALX Africa, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Kenyatta University (KU), and Ipso, among others. Each team brought their best to the table, eager not only to claim the prize but also to demonstrate their prowess in creating new revenue streams, addressing market demands, and captivating audiences through the power of emerging technologies. Out of the 22 teams, three teams were crowned winners of the hackathon and…

19Dec 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

Celebrating the Inaugural Graduates of the Digital Marketing Masterclass

Digital Marketing Masterclass, Executive Education

In a world increasingly shaped by the digital revolution, a group of individuals marked a milestone on December 6, 2024, as the inaugural graduates of the Digital Marketing Masterclass. Designed to empower participants with cutting-edge skills and strategies, this transformative program bridged the gap between ambition and expertise, equipping graduates to thrive in the fast-paced online marketplace. At the heart of this journey was Melanie Hapisu, a celebrated digital marketing specialist and CEO of DigiPath Africa, whose personalized teaching approach turned a classroom into a community of innovators. As graduates recounted their experiences, one sentiment rang clear: Melanie wasn’t just their trainer; she was their inspiration. For many, her words of encouragement, coupled with her dynamic teaching style, redefined their perspectives, igniting a passion for growth and innovation in the…

29Nov 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

Revolutionizing African Analytics: @iLabAfrica partners with Kasi Insight

Data Science

In a pivotal move towards advancing data and analytics in Africa, @iLabAfrica- Strathmore University has partnered strategically with Kasi Insight, a leading force in consumer and economic intelligence. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on November 20th, 2024, embodies the beginning of a collaboration that vows to harness data for research, education, and innovation in transformative ways. Over the years Kenya has been seen as a hub of economic activity and innovation, providing fertile ground for this partnership. @iLabAfrica’s expertise in analytics, generative AI, and research on large language models (LLMs) align seamlessly with Kasi Insight’s robust data frameworks. Together, they will bridge the gap between raw data and actionable insights, benefiting students, researchers, and industries. The collaboration seeks to foster the following: Data-Driven Research: @iLabAfrica and Kasi…

28Nov 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

Innovation Flourishes at 3rd Global Data Science and AI Summit

Artificial Intelligence, Data Science

From left to right: Satyajit Turumella - Chief Commercial Officer, Nation Media Group IT Advisory Director, Grant Thornton Advisory -East Africa, Esther Ngare - Transformation Lead - Nation Media Group and Richard Wanjoi- Manager @iLabAfrica @iLabAfrica launched the 3rd Global Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Summit (GDSAI) on 13th November 2024, with the theme ‘Unlocking the Power of Big Data and AI to Shape the Future through Innovation’ which showcased the impact and implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across various sectors, including agriculture, wildlife, media, and retail. The annual two-day event turned into a three-day one as Strathmore University’s collaboration with Nation Media Group (NMG) introduced the first media-centered Pre-Summit Hackathon exploring how AI can revolutionize revenue generation, audience engagement, and emerging technologies in the media industry. The event brought…

11Nov 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

Strathmore University and Nation Media Group Forge Strategic Partnership with MOU Signing

Artificial Intelligence, Data Science

From left: Nation Media Group’s Head of IT Mercy Kimani, Strathmore University Director of @iLabAfrica Dr. Joseph Sevilla, NMG Chief Operating Officer Monicah Ndung’u, Head of Data Science and Analytics @iLabAfrica Strathmore University Dr. John Olukuru and Data Scientist @iLabAfrica Strathmore University Abraham Ngetich ‘The truth is in the data’- Dr. John Olukuru In preparation for the Annual Global Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (GDSAI) Summit Strathmore University in partnership with Nation Media Group (NMG) formalized their collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), a significant move aimed at strengthening the ties between technology and the media industry. This partnership marks a new chapter in fostering innovation, advancing educational opportunities, and creating synergies that benefit the youth in the broader media landscape. This collaboration promises to utilize…

06Nov 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

The Impact of Generative AI on Online Safety

Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity

The increased adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in various industries, such as content creation, education, healthcare, agriculture, and digital inclusion, has had a revolutionary impact on Kenya's society, leading to a renaissance of new ideas and innovations. One such innovation is Mzee.ai, a platform designed to preserve the wisdom of African elders by using AI to capture and share their expertise in fields like conservation agriculture, beekeeping, and sustainable fishing. AI's potential for a positive impact on the personal and professional development of youth in Kenya is exponential, and Mzee.ai embodies this potential. However, it is also increasingly important to expose the technology's soft white underbelly, which is the human rights and data privacy concerns surrounding the use and proliferation of AI technology in various social, economic, and governance…

29Oct 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

@iLabAfrica’s neurodivergent students shine at the 2024 Microsoft Global Hackathon

Neurodivergents in Tech

Carol Okara, Irene Gitangu, Nicholas Irungu, Tracey Ng'inja, Amanda Wangari, Immanuel Njau, JohnPaul Parasi, and Gregory Ikenye. ‘Collaboration is one of the key ingredients to fuel innovation.’ The 2024 graduates of the Neurodivergent in Tech Programme make history as @iLabAfrica’s first Neurodivergent team to take on a Global Hackathon. The team displayed exceptional brilliance and innovation at the Microsoft Global Hackathon, held at Microsoft Garage in Nairobi on September 20, 2024. In collaboration with the Next Step Foundation, the @iLabAfrica team proudly sent a talented group of six students to represent them. Nicholas Irungu, Tracey Ng'inja, JohnPaul Parasi, Amanda Wangari, Immanuel Njau, and Gregory Ikenye who showcased their groundbreaking creation, a Neurosensory Device, an inventive solution aimed at transforming lives and advancing technology. The team of six, driven by their…

29Oct 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

Exploring Breakthroughs in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance: Advances in Parahydrogen-Induced Polarisation Techniques for Enhanced Signal Sensitivity

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

On September 13th, 2024, Strathmore University became a hub for scientific exploration by hosting an enlightening event focused on advancements in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) technology. The NMR Hyperpolarization via Parahydrogen event took place in the Sir Thomas More Building, bringing together delegates from the University Of Nairobi and the National Research Fund, staff, and students from Strathmore University. The session delved into how Parahydrogen-Induced Polarization (PHIP) techniques could improve the accessibility and accuracy of NMR technology, making it a game-changer for researchers and practitioners. Dr. Joseph Sevilla, Director of @iLabAfrica, started the event with his insightful address emphasizing the importance of embracing technology for scientific advancement. Following him, Dr. Dillmann, A researcher at @iLabAfrica IoT elaborated on @iLabAfrica’s commitment to fundamental research, which paves the way for practical technological…

22Oct 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

Tony Ombaso’s Journey from Feature Phones to Global Recognition

Artificial Intelligence, Software Development

Tony Ombaso, a rising star in the world of software engineering, clinched one of the most prestigious academic honours of the year. As a Junior Software Engineer at Strathmore @iLabAfrica, Tony has been named the Regional Winner in Computer Science at the highly competitive Global Undergraduate Awards for his thesis, ‘A Deep Learning Model for the Segmentation and Classification of Melanoma Skin Lesions.’ This achievement places him among the brightest minds in academia, as the Global Undergraduate Awards spotlight top-tier undergraduate research from around the world. Where it all began? In a modest Kenyan boarding school, the seeds of Tony’s passion for computer science were planted. Devoid of smartphones or constant access to technology, students had to make do with a single feature phone for communication. Yet, from this simple…

11Oct 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

Essential Cybersecurity Tips to Navigate the Digital Landscape

Cybersecurity

In today’s digital era, where devices permeate every facet of our daily lives, be it work, communication, shopping, or entertainment, ensuring online safety has become more crucial than ever. The idea of effecting proper cyber hygiene has gained prominence, particularly in the face of escalating cyber threats. Cyber hygiene refers to the steps and habits that individuals and organizations should cultivate to protect themselves in the digital environment, much like maintaining good health habits in the physical world. In an age where smartphones, smart homes, wearable devices, and even vehicles are interconnected through the internet, practicing good cyber hygiene has become an essential aspect of our digital lives. Recent discussions at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) have underscored the necessity of adopting an effective cyber hygiene routine to combat the…