Frequently asked questions
What is the innovation center?
Launched in 2019, The Innovation Centre, based in Nairobi was established under the Futures Project as a result of partnership between DW Akademie (DWA) and Graduate School of Media and Communication, Aga Khan University (GSMC, AKU). The Innovation center will be an innovation hub for media innovators who would like a space to develop their ideas into reality.
What will its function be?
The center was set up to offer a hub for media practitioner, students and academicians to develop concrete leading edge innovation project(s) that will strengthen media viability across East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda). The Innovation Centre will provide support services such as acceleration and incubations services to galvanize media innovation in East Africa with a focus not just on creative content but on new sustainable business models for the future.
Who is DW Akademie?
DW Akademie strengthens the human right to freedom of expression. Together with our partners, we play a leading role in the development of free media systems, creating access to information, setting standards for education and independent journalism.
How can one join?
The Innovation Center calls out for submission annually of innovative ideas that require incubation or acceleration to the public. A committee will be formed and mandated to go through the submission after which the shortlisted candidates will be called to make a presentation to the panel to get an opportunity to go through the incubation period.
What is the process before an idea is granted funds?
Once a team’s idea qualifies the vetting process, the team is provided for a space where they can develop the idea further through acceleration or incubation. The center will provide the team with state of the art tech equipment for practical works, coaching and mentorship by highly trained professionals from DW Akademie. The team will be trained in advancing their idea, how to actualize it, financial management, sustainability among other things. Once the idea grows its own wings, the team is allowed to go out and put it into practice with close supervision from the Innovation center.
Who is your target audience?
We are targeting young professionals that own their own media houses, campus students with great ideas and practitioners who are in the industry.
Like other innovation hubs, will there be a grant? If Yes/No, why?
Yes, there will be a grant of $ 15,000 for successful incubated ideas for the team closely monitored by the Innovation Center.
How long will you incubate an idea?
Incubation varies depending on the idea at the table.
Do you have any local partners?
Yes, we do. We are partnering with Communication Authority of Kenya in implementing this project. We are similarly looking at onboarding new partners from the media houses and local media based tertiary institutions.
Who funds the project?
The project is funded by Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau under the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The funding was agreed upon by East African Community (EAC) and BMZ with Aga Khan University appointed as the implementing agency.
How long is the project funded for?
The agreed timing of the project is four years.
Where is the Innovation Center located?
The Innovation Center is located in Parklands, Peponi Rd, House No. 06.
