A three-week intensive training and competition workshop on the development of mobile apps by the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO (KNATCOM) came to a close in mid-February 2024.
The University of Eldoret students shined in the competition.
The inter-university workshop involved 50 brilliant students from the University of Eldoret and Moi University working in teams to develop mobile apps geared towards solving various societal challenges and contributing to the realization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Five student teams were selected from various schools in the University of Eldoret for the competition.
The students underwent training and incubation from 29th January to 2nd February 2024, followed by the development of the apps until the 14th of February 2024, and pitching which took place on 15th February 2024.
What were the prizes for KNATCOM competition winners?
On 16th February 2024, the workshop concluded with an award ceremony which saw the first, second, and third teams getting Ksh30,000.00, Ksh20,000.00, and Ksh10,000.00 respectively.
Students from the University of Eldoret scooped the 1st and 3rd positions in the competition.
The winning team developed an app on Carbocalc while the 2nd runners up developed an app on Ustawinest.
In the end, the winning teams were awarded by KNATCOM and will further get assistance to finalize developing the apps, protect their applications, and launch them in the market.
The Department of Intellectual Property Management housed under the Directorate of Research and Extension will undertake the mentorship, incubation, and support of all student teams to realize the completion of the mobile apps for further opportunities.
“This unique program was designed to equip these talented students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the dynamic field of mobile app development,” the UoE management in a statement.
It added that “this workshop was an invaluable opportunity for the students to enhance their skills in mobile app development to tackle societal challenges and contribute to the realization of the United Nations SDGs.”
In addition, UoE said the students who participated in the training and competition gained hands-on experience and guidance, which are important in the rapidly evolving landscape of innovative technologies.
