The 13th edition of the JKUAT Tech Expo culminated with Aqua Coin emerging as the winner, securing Kshs.100,000 for their groundbreaking innovation—a prepaid water management system aimed at empowering consumers to monitor their water usage and advocate for mindful consumption.
Emphasizing the significance of access to safe drinking water as a fundamental human right and a vital aspect of public health and economic development, innovator Mugendi Mugi highlighted the prevailing challenges in efficiently managing water supply systems. These challenges encompass revenue collection, water wastage, and the lack of transparency in water management.
“The prepaid water management system is tailored to tackle these hurdles by introducing a prepaid model for water supply, ensuring efficient revenue collection, minimizing water wastage, and enhancing the effectiveness of water supply services,” stated Mugi.
Pill Pro innovators explain how their innovation works. Listening on (from right) are DVC Academic Affairs, Prof. Robert Kinyua, Chief Guest, Dr. Alice Kande and JKUAT Tech Expo Project Manager, Betty Karimi
Securing the second position was the Pill Pro, a medical innovation revolutionizing medication management in hospital settings. Addressing critical issues of medication adherence, patient safety, and real-time monitoring, this innovation integrates an automated pill dispenser with a web-based platform, providing healthcare providers unprecedented control and accuracy in medication administration.
Claiming the third spot was the Warehouse Robot System, enhancing visibility, traceability, and inventory management within warehouse operations through integration with the warehouse management system and robotics.
The 13th edition of the JKUAT Tech Expo showcased 22 innovations spanning diverse fields such as health, climate change, water and sanitation, construction sciences, energy, engineering, and agriculture.
Attendees, including staff, students, and industry players, engaged with these innovations, selecting the Transporter innovation for the coveted People’s Choice Award. The Transporter, is an app that tackles traffic flow, politics in fare, and overloading of passengers using Real-Time Operating Systems, IoT devices, and GIS.
During the opening ceremony the Chief Guest, Ag. Director General, Kenya Qualification Authority, Dr. Alice Kande lauded the students innovative spirits and encouraged them to ensure that their innovations are useful to society.
Tunic Agrienergy Innovator explains how to seamlessly combine the boundless potential of solar energy with sustainable agriculture practices through the use of IoT
“To the aspiring innovators here today, remember that your ideas hold the power to change lives. But this potential can only be realized when you step into the real world,” said Dr. Kande who was representing Dr. Esther Muoria, Principal Secretary, State Department for Technical, Vocational Education and Training.
She further urged them to leverage the available research resources and entities, such as the National Research Fund, to ensure their innovations reach the intended market.
“Collaborate, network, and seize opportunities to propel Kenya’s innovation agenda, forging partnerships with regional and international bodies,” advised Dr. Kande.
Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi called upon the support of the government and private sector to ensure the incubation and commercialization of students’ innovations. In the same breadth, she asked the innovators, through their innovations, to proactively support the realization of the new government’s development agenda for the benefit of Kenyans.
“We envision a collaborative environment where the government and the private sector join hands with our institution to support innovative ideas, offering mentorship, incubation, and business support to nurture these ideas into fully-fledged commercial entities,” said Prof Ngumi in a speech read by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Prof. Robert Kinyua.
Echoing the remarks of the Chief Guest, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Jackson Kwanza challenged the innovators and students to make it a culture to innovate and think through ideas, while mulling over ways of converting them into viable products.
“It is time the youth make use of their immense potential and energy to strive for ownership in Kenya’s sustainable development,” said Prof. Kwanza.
JKUAT Tech Expo 13.0 opening ceremony was also addressed by JKUAT Tech Expo Chairman, Michael Waititu and JKUAT Tech Expo Event Organizer, Prisca Orori.
The expo also featured a panel discussion with industry and government experts, focusing on navigating the future of innovation and transforming ideas into successful businesses. The ultimate goal of this panel discussion was to provide a comprehensive roadmap for aspiring innovators, equipping them with the necessary knowledge, tools, and strategies to navigate the complex journey from ideation to successful commercialization.
The JKUAT Tech Expo, an annual student-led event established in 2009, aims to foster innovation, collaboration, and education by supporting and promoting students’ innovative ideas nationwide.
JKUAT Tech Expo, is an annual student-driven event incepted in 2009 that seeks to encourage and support students’ innovative ideas
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