Startup Uganda along with key stakeholders in the innovation space have launched the Uganda Innovation Week, a platform that seeks to improve the ecosystem.

Previously known as the Kampala Innovation Week, officials say the event has now scaled up to include participation from across the country and consequently rebranded to Uganda Innovation Week.

“The country’s innovation landscape stretches far beyond just the city of Kampala, and we thought it was high time the innovation week actively recognized that,” Jean Makki, Vice Chairperson, Startup Uganda, said during the official launch.

“We are looking to get startup ecosystem stakeholders from all across the country involved in the crucial discussions we will be having at Uganda Innovation Week, and this move towards inclusivity will assist with that agenda.”

Startup Uganda will host the annual Innovation Week from November 22 to 24, 2022 at Mestil Hotel in Kampala under the theme Uganda’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: Unlocking the Missing Links.

The innovation event is geared towards bringing together all actors within the startup ecosystem.

Officials noted that the re-brand to Uganda Innovation Week represents an active effort to include startup ecosystem stakeholders from across the country in conversations on the future of entrepreneurship in Uganda.

The context for such discussions will improve to include factors specific to entrepreneurs in some of the more rural areas, such as internet connectivity, access to infrastructure and more.

Despite the growth of the startup ecosystem in Uganda, there are still several gaps to bridge in order to augment the development of viable, market-ready enterprises and the ability of relevant stakeholders to support said enterprises adequately.

The discussions will focus on links between academia and industry and highlight how a strong connection between the two has enabled startup ecosystems worldwide to thrive and progress.

Other key topics will highlight some of the current gaps in women’s entrepreneurship.