By EPIFANIA WILBARD | PROGRAMS MANAGER
In the past quarter, Twende has achieved significant milestones through its Jamii Tech Incubation Program (JTIP) and creative capacity-building initiatives. These programs have fostered collaboration between graduate student teams, international designers, Tanzanian community partners, and government agencies, resulting in impactful innovations and empowering young talents in Tanzania.
JTIP, an official incubation program lasting 8-12 weeks, has facilitated context-driven design projects that address community-identified challenges. With guidance from Twende and mentors, the teams have followed a structured process, from understanding community needs to creating implementable solutions. The program's success was evident in the JTIP 2023 Mwanza version, funded by the Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete Foundation in partnership with Twende and SIDO TLED Hub. Over the course of one month, 16 enthusiastic participants, both male and female, aged 18-35, surpassed expectations and delivered three working prototypes: a chain linking machine, a CNC Box printer 3D, and a solar dryer moisture depressor.
In parallel to the incubation program, Twende has been actively engaged in mentorship and coaching, supporting young innovators in commercializing their ideas. Collaborating with the government through the Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), Twende has nurtured innovations such as a multi-crop thresher, vein viewer mechanism, coconut oil extractor, welding machine, and maize peeler and thresher. This collaborative effort demonstrates Twende's commitment to fostering technological advancements and economic growth in Tanzania.
Recognizing the importance of gender equality in the innovation space, Twende initiated a creative capacity-building program targeting women aged 14-22. The "Women in Hardware Tech" initiative aimed to equip female participants with innovation, design, and creativity skills, ensuring equal opportunities for all. From this program, the onions chopper and rice sorting machine emerged as promising projects, demonstrating the potential for women to excel in hardware technology.
Through these endeavors, Twende has not only advanced the field of innovation but has also empowered young talents, nurtured cross-cultural collaboration, and fostered local production in Tanzania. The quarter's achievements serve as a testament to Twende's commitment to driving positive change and creating a vibrant ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.
By Epifania Wilbard | Programs Manager
By EPIFANIA WILBARD | PROGRAMS MANAGER
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