Kenyan entrepreneurs will soon access a world-class entrepreneurial capacity-building ecosystem at a top-tier US public university.
This follows a strategic partnership between the University of Illinois, Top Level Management and the Panafrican Centre for Strategic Development.
The partnership, which was inked in Nairobi, will see Kenyan women and youth entrepreneurs access the University of Illinois’ entrepreneurial training.
The university has produced some of the world-class companies like Tesla, Youtube and PayPal.
Top Level Management’s Managing Director Emily Karechio said Kenyan women and youth entrepreneurs will now access custom programmes from the University business school and Enterprise Works.
“The programmes will be offered in Kenya and the US with hybrid options with specific emphasis on ideas germination, access to finance and markets,’’ she said during the signing ceremony.
Enterprise Works is a technology business incubator that supports entrepreneurs in the startup journey.
Entrepreneurs build and create disruptive technologies across a wide range of areas including but not limited to agtech, biotechnology, chemical sciences, software development and materials sciences.
Pan African Centre for Strategic Development’s Chief Executive Officer Hudson Aluvanze said the partnership “crystalizes Kenya’s intention to deepen its capacity as the focal point for knowledge and entrepreneurship.”
Matt Rosenstein, the University of Illinois Global Director for Global Education and Training said the partnership will be a game changer in enhancing entrepreneurial skills.
"Kenyan women and youth entrepreneurs can now access world-class capacity building programmes at the University of Illinois that will assist them to grow and develop international markets" said Rosenstein.
He spoke during the Africa Women Transformative Summit held in Nairobi during the Africa Women Transformative Summit which.
The event at the Hyatt Regency brought together Kenya’s visionary women and youth entrepreneurs with an eye for the globalization of markets and production
The University of Illinois is consistently ranked among the top US public universities for producing the most successful entrepreneurs across the world.
Besides, it has a stellar record in producing world-class startups and technology companies and supporters entrepreneurs.
Rosenstein said the University of Illinois has incubated and supported many startups that have grown to be global players.
Tesla was founded by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning. Martin is a University of Illinois graduate. YouTube was founded by Jawed Karim, Steven Chen, and Chad Hurley in 2005.
Jawed Karim and Steven Chen are University of Illinois graduates.
PayPal was founded by Max Levchin, Luke Nosek, and Peter Thiel in 1998. Max Levchin and Luke Nosek are University of Illinois graduates.
This partnership comes after President Ruto’s successful visit to the US and is expected to create opportunities for Kenyan companies in the technology space, apparel and agriculture, among other lucrative sectors