Youth Innovation Launchpad

By creating competitive, supported pathways for youth to develop and commercialize technology-driven solutions to local problems, we increase youth engagement in STEM and sustainable development, because public recognition, mentorship, and market access transform motivation into lasting impact. This strategy centers on using innovation competitions as a catalyst to identify,激励, and accelerate youth-led scientific and technological problem-solving. What distinguishes it is the intentional design of a full "innovation pipeline"—from idea generation through commercialization—supported by partnerships, skills training, and public showcasing. Unlike standalone education or job training programs, this approach leverages competition as a motivational engine and combines it with ecosystem-building to ensure sustained impact.

orgs running it

activities of those orgs

activity groups touched

who runs it

organizations running this strategy · 2

what it looks like in practice

activities of orgs running this strategy

A sample of programmatic activities from the orgs above. These are what the strategy looks like on the ground.

Business Bootcamp and Commercialization Support YOUTH EMPOWERMENT COMPETITIONS AND AWARD PROGRAMME
capacity building
Provides eligible project teams and winners with access to a Business Bootcamp, including mentorship and training in commercialization, enterprise development, and intellectual property, with linkages to public and private sectors.
International Exhibition Opportunity YOUTH EMPOWERMENT COMPETITIONS AND AWARD PROGRAMME
direct service
Offers students the opportunity to win a trip to Ireland to present at the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition.
National Science and Technology Exhibition YOUTH EMPOWERMENT COMPETITIONS AND AWARD PROGRAMME
direct service
Hosts an annual National Science and Technology Exhibition for secondary school students from all 47 Kenyan counties to showcase scientific talents and innovation, with projects judged independently and culminating in an award ceremony.
Program Implementation and Expansion YOUTH EMPOWERMENT COMPETITIONS AND AWARD PROGRAMME
direct service
Conducted a pilot program in 10 counties and subsequently implemented a national rollout of its programs to all 47 counties, including virtual outreaches and exhibitions as part of the "Leave No Learner Behind" campaign.
STEM Outreach and Mentoring Programs YOUTH EMPOWERMENT COMPETITIONS AND AWARD PROGRAMME
direct service
Conducts outreach and mentoring programs in all 47 Kenyan counties, featuring live STEM demonstrations and career encouragement by mentors from academia and the private sector.
EYE 4 SDGs: Policy Advocacy and Capacity Building GROW BRIGHT FUTURE AFRICA
advocacy
Leads the EYE 4 SDGs project involving policy advocacy, SDG gap analysis, and international capacity building, with representation in Ethiopia, Spain, and the Netherlands.
Edible Gardening and Tree Planting Initiatives GROW BRIGHT FUTURE AFRICA
direct service
Implements edible gardening programs in schools and leads tree planting efforts through the "Birthday for Trees" project, having planted over 2,000 saplings.
Entrepreneurship Training for Self-Reliance GROW BRIGHT FUTURE AFRICA
capacity building
Conducts MBS courses that train entrepreneurs in self-reliance, with over 50 participants trained to date.
Precious Plastic Kisumu Initiative Engagement GROW BRIGHT FUTURE AFRICA
advocacy
Engages in policy dialogue with local government and the Ministry of Environment on the Precious Plastic Kisumu initiative to promote plastic waste solutions.
Recognition and Awards for Environmental Leadership GROW BRIGHT FUTURE AFRICA
advocacy
Recognized with the First Lady's Annual Mazingira Award at State House in Nairobi for environmental leadership and community impact.
Regional Climate Education and Network Strengthening GROW BRIGHT FUTURE AFRICA
advocacy
Participates in climate education gatherings in Uganda and the Netherlands to strengthen regional climate action networks and promote youth engagement.