Innovation Spaces - Malawi
Innovation Spaces were first launched in Malawi in 2014, with the launch of the Global Center for Food Systems Innovation at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources; Polytechnic Innovation Hub in Blantyre, Lilongwe mHub and InCUBE8 .
In early 2014, the Global Center for Food Systems Innovation at Michigan State University, established a regional innovation hub in partnership with the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, with financial support from USAID. This innovation hub is focused on agricultural and food systems innovation, starting with developing and introducing multi-purpose legumes, which produce both food for humans and fodder for animals and will supplement growing of maize.
In May 2015 UNICEF collaborated with the Polytechnic, University of Malawi to establish the Polytechnic Innovation Hub focused on engagement with youth, academia, government, private sector and development partners. It aims to support UNICEF's innovation efforts in Malawi. The hub is hosted with the Chichiri Campus of the Polytechnic with operational funding from UNICEF.
In late 2015 Lilongwe mHub was set up as a pre-Incubator and co-working space with funding from Hivos Southern Africa. It is specifically targeting young tech entrepreneurs - students and graduates who wish to leverage their technical skills to set up start ups. It aims to support software development, mentoring and community building. It has signed a cooperation agreement with the UNICEF Innovation Hub hosted at Polytechic of Malawi.
InCUBE8 was set up in 2016 as a business incubator, providing mentorship, technical and financial support, with a particular focus on youth led teams addressing social challenges. It is partnering with the Tony Elumelu Foundation Enterpreneurship Programme .
Growth Accelerator Malawi is being implemented by mHub in partnership with GrowthAfrica and Accesserator (Dutch investment firm). It has a particular focus on supporting emerging entrepreneurs with finance (investment of up to $40k) and technical assistance over twelve months. UNDP and the Royal Norwegian Embassy support this accelerator program.
