
In a groundbreaking collaboration, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) are set to host an executive training program titled "Unleashing African Innovation through IP." This five-day intensive course will take place from 16th -20th September 2024, at Prideinn Azure Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya.
The program targets executives and managers handling various sectors of intellectual property (IP). Its goal is to empower innovation leaders as innovation champions, focusing on fostering innovation in African context. Participants will gain invaluable insights into leveraging IP for business growth and innovation strategies.
The agenda is carefully curated in a comprehensive curriculum with a range of IP topics to ensure the participants receive a holistic understanding of intellectual property in the innovation ecosystem. The main areas of focus for the training include
- IP Essentials - Safeguarding Your Innovations – set to demystify IP in Kenya and its importance for innovation, inform about the IP filing processes in Kenya and Africa, ensure awareness of IP costs and budget considerations and the strategies to minimize IP infringement risks
- IP & Innovation IQ—training with a target to boost Innovations with smart IP management by highlighting IP as a hidden business asset. The training maximizes innovative potential through strategic IP protection, conducting IP and innovation audits, and monetization strategies through IP exploitation.
- IP as a Weapon—This aspect will focus on sharpening business and commercialization strategy with IP, building innovation across the different stages of the IP lifecycle, and, lastly, exploring the real-world IP journey at Anza Village.
- Monetization—leveraging IP knowledge and the process of protecting intellectual property can be commercialized. The training will demonstrate how innovations in IP can be transformed into Profit and how protected innovations can be an advantage when sharing profits. The approach in training includes formulating effective IP strategies, assessing commercial protection of IP assets, and aligning the market, customers, and IP for commercialization success.
- Beyond IP—what happens after an innovation or idea has been protected? This section will build value and maximize returns for development. The training will also include aspects of developing strong value propositions, strategies for selling or sharing IP assets, and special topics on Kenya’s IP policy alongside case studies on IP exploitation in the country.
All these sessions will be led by a distinguished panel of speakers, including:
Professor Eric Gan Kok Wah, Head of IP and Innovation Management Programme at Singapore University of Social Sciences; Prof. Ben M. Sihanya, IP & Constitutional Scholar & Advocate; Sylvance Sange, IP Specialist, Mkama Kalebu, Managing Partner at ENDO & Company Advocates and Prof. Tom Migun Ogada,Board Chair of KeNIA. Moreover, the program offers unique networking opportunities, including a WIPO-hosted dinner at the famous Carnivore restaurant and an immersive experience with a visit to Anza Village, providing real-world insights into the IP journey.
This IP training program exemplifies the commitment of both WIPO and KeNIA to nurturing innovation in Africa. WIPO, as the UN agency dedicated to intellectual property, brings global expertise to the table. At the same time, KeNIA, with its mandate to develop and manage Kenya's National Innovation System, provides crucial local context and connections. As Africa continues to emerge as a hub of innovation and creativity, understanding and leveraging intellectual property becomes increasingly vital. This executive training program offers a unique opportunity for leaders to gain the knowledge and skills needed to drive innovation and economic growth through effective IP management.
We are thrilled to foster the future of innovation in IP, especially in the African context.
For more information visit https://www.innovationagency.go.ke/
or contact Innovation Academy on email academy@innovationagency.go.ke