Zetech University Lauded for Championing AI for a Circular Economy at Research and Innovation Week

By Catherine Muema On Jul 12, 2024

Zetech University’s Research and Innovation Week brought together key players in research, academia, government, and industry to explore and harness the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for sustainable development and creating a resilient, circular economy.

Themed “Innovate, Disrupt, Regenerate: Unleashing the Transformative Power of AI for a Circular Economy,” the conference featured discussions on various fields where AI and green skills could foster a sustainable and equitable economy. Sessions included topics like Renewable Energy and Climate Change, Transforming the Education Sector through AI, Media and Digital Transformations, Leveraging AI for Future Innovations in Circularity, Harnessing AI for Sustainable Growth, Impact of AI Technologies in the Financial Sector, and Disruptive Innovations in Entrepreneurship and Start-ups.

The event showcased innovations from Zetech University students, faculty, and researchers, including Virtual Reality technologies, E-Mobility solutions, Circular Economy solutions, and Green Energy solutions.

Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, Rebecca Miano, EGH, highlighted the government’s recognition of research and innovation in driving economic growth. “We have made significant investments in research and development, particularly within our academic institutions. By enhancing funding for research projects, providing state-of-the-art facilities, and encouraging collaborations between academia and industry, we are laying the groundwork for a robust innovation ecosystem,” she said.

Miano praised Zetech University’s achievements in research and innovation, noting their position as the first runners-up in Africa and the top university in East Africa in the Africa Telecommunication Union (ATU) innovation challenge, following Veritas University in Nigeria.

She also lauded the university for developing a rechargeable battery-powered motorbike, promoting environmental sustainability, and enhancing bilateral relations with South Africa through a recent training program for South African Wholesale and Retail traders.

Zetech University Chancellor Prof. Susan Alfano emphasized the importance of strengthening the linkage between industry and academia. “In an era where knowledge and technology evolve at an exponential pace, it is imperative that academic institutions and industries collaborate closely,” she said.

Prof. Alfano urged continued collaboration and partnerships with the industries and companies represented at the event, including Nation Media Group, Japan Society for Promoting Science, Global Tourism Resilience Centre, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), Kenya Climate Innovation Centre (KCIC), Microsoft, Meta Club, Intel, Payd, Techwin Limited, ICEA Lion, Ajira Digital, Circular Innovation Hub, Konza Silicon, ABSA Bank, Huduma Whitebox, EcoTourism Kenya, and ICT Authority.

Prof. Njenga Munene, Zetech University Vice-Chancellor, highlighted the achievements of the Zetech University Innovation Hub (iZet Hub), particularly the Totsi USB Cables, which embrace the Circular Economy by using waste to make the cables.

He explained that AI could play a pivotal role in transforming the circular economy by optimizing resource use, improving efficiency, and creating intelligent systems that can learn, adapt, and evolve.

Zetech University’s Research and Innovation Week and Conference align with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 12 on Sustainable Consumption and Production and SDG 17 in advancing science, technology, and innovation for sustainable development.

The university continues to seek partnerships and collaborations with industry partners to offer solutions through research-based learning that promotes the use of AI in enhancing innovations.