Smart Lab participated in the first  Africa-Europe Innovation Partnership  launch event that took place from the 12th to the 13th of September in Nairobi, Kenya as the only innovation hub representing all hubs, incubators & accelerators in Tanzania. The event brought together 10 incubators and accelerators from European countries and 11 from African countries.

The Africa-Europe Innovation Partnership aims to support and connect innovation and technology incubators and accelerators in tapping into new markets, find their trusted partner across the Mediterranean as well as build new perspectives, knowledge and networks.

The Africa-Europe Innovation Partnership also aims to connect high-quality incubators, accelerators and technology transfer offices from both continents to explore opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships resulting in collaboration, exchange and growth.

As our strong motive has been to forge partnerships between hubs and accelerators around the globe, this event  was one of the initiatives to grow our international network with innovation hubs and accelerators all over africa and outside africa.It was the very first event among many to take place both in Africa and Europe.

Among the things that took place in the event were panel sessions & group discussions on different practices in Africa & Europe in fostering innovation in our respective countries as well as Speed Networking sessions between African and European Incubators & Accelerators.

The next steps of the partnership launch event were;

• Pillar 1: Building partnerships among leading African and European tech hubs.
• Pillar 2: Exploring models for technology exchange and access
• Pillar 3: Capacity upgrading among African tech hubs & tech entrepreneurs.

The tech hubs and accelerators interested to be part of this initiative can join a group(https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12292388/ ) that they can connect with other tech hubs in Africa and Europe and exchange partnership opportunities. The group aims to support and connect innovation and technology incubators and accelerators in tapping into new markets, find their trusted partner across the Mediterranean as well as build new perspectives, knowledge and networks. Incubators, accelerators and technology transfer offices play a key role in fostering development of innovative enterprises. They allow start-ups and SMEs to engage in (new) business opportunities by providing support, guidance, mentorships and coaching, as well as access to essential network contacts.