First WIPO-KeNIA Executive Training Program Boosts IP Capabilities of Innovation Enablers in Africa
September 25, 2024
The WIPO Academy and Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) joined forces to organize a unique Executive Training Program from September 16 to 20, 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya.
The program brought together close to 40 participants driving innovation, research and technology transfer activities in public and private institutions. The participants harnessed the opportunity to boost their intellectual property (IP) management skills and capabilities. A particular focus was dedicated to integrating IP into business models, innovation processes and commercialization strategies, which unlocks future growth and ultimately contributes to sustainable development.
What the organizers are saying?
While innovation in Kenya has traditionally centered on entrepreneurship, a substantial untapped potential exists for innovation through research. IP training is crucial for safeguarding innovative research ideas and facilitating their commercialization. This course should serve as a catalyst for initiating discussions on IP policy development within your respective institutions.
Dr. Tonny Omwansa, Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya National Innovation Agency
The collaboration between WIPO and KeNIA in delivering this executive course on intellectual property demonstrates KeNIA's commitment to fostering the protection of ideas across various industries. This initiative ensures proper ownership as these ideas progress towards commercialization.
Prof. Tom Migun Ogada, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Kenya National Innovation Agency
At WIPO, we work to bring the power of IP to all. This training heralds the start of an exciting new journey in our common endeavor to boost innovation-led growth and nurture a more inclusive innovation ecosystem that brings intellectual property closer to Africa’s Silicon Savannah which has been shaping the continent’s emerging technology landscape.
Mr. Victor Owade, Counsellor in the Academic Institutions and Executive Program of the WIPO Academy
What did participants learn?
During the week-long intensive course, participants were led through a comprehensive understanding of IP fundamentals and strategies in areas such as:
- What is IP and why it matters for innovation;
- IP on a budget: Understanding fees and controlling costs;
- IP Filing in Africa: Selecting the right protections for your business;
- Unlocking your potential: IP and innovation audit and due diligence;
- Selecting and protecting intangible assets for growth;
- Creating value from innovation: Monetization through IP exploitation;
- Building your innovation strategy across the IP lifecycle; and
- Maximizing your returns from IP.
The course featured expert-guided group exercises where participants were able to apply the knowledge acquired in a practical manner through real-life scenarios in relation to IP licensing and franchising.
Participants also had the opportunity to visit to Anza Village, one of Africa’s leading startup incubators supporting business to use IP to unlock their innovative potential across different sectors like health, agriculture, and the creative industries. During the visit, Mike Strano, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Yakwetu – a digital platform for African online content and winner of the WIPO Global Award 2023 – shared his experience on the growing importance of integrating IP into business strategies for African startups.
What is the Executive Training Program?
The WIPO Academy’s Executive Training Program was launched in 2024 to offer short and intensive practical skills-building opportunities for IP professionals interested in:
- Leveraging IP as a tool for business growth;
- Enhancing IP negotiation capabilities;
- Building strong networks and partnerships across disciplines; and
- Developing and protecting new ideas and technologies across multiple industries in various innovative and creative sectors.