A delegation from Adapt IT, a South Africa–based company, paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi, in a visit that marked a significant step toward fostering innovation and strengthening academia–industry collaboration.
The courtesy call by the leading international IT solutions provider, held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, focused on enhancing strategic partnerships in technology-driven education, ethical artificial intelligence (AI), and sustainable innovation ahead of the forthcoming Inter-University Hackathon 2025.
Themed “Strengthening the Innovation Ecosystem for Sustainable Development Using Ethical AI-Powered Solutions,” the hackathon will bring together talented student innovators from over 25 universities across the region and beyond.
The Hackathon event, will provide a dynamic platform for young innovators to showcase their creativity, develop AI-driven solutions, and collaborate with industry experts on sustainable technological advancements.
Speaking during the visit, Mr. Zakhele Khathide, Head of Sales and Marketing at Adapt IT, thanked the University for the warm reception and commended JKUAT’s commitment to nurturing young innovators.
“We believe the future of technology lies in the hands of young minds who can harness AI responsibly to solve real-world challenges. Our partnership with JKUAT reflects our dedication to ethical innovation and sustainable development,” said Mr. Khathide.
Prof. George Thiong’o, Principal of the College of Pure and Applied Sciences (COPAS), who represented the Vice Chancellor, expressed appreciation for the company’s continued support, noting that such collaborations are instrumental in bridging the gap between academic research and industry application.
“Our goal is to empower students to develop solutions that not only advance technology but also uphold ethical standards and sustainability. We are delighted to have Adapt IT as one of our key partners in this journey,” said Prof. Thiong’o.
Prof. Thiong’o further added that the University management is keen on strengthening such partnerships and is grateful to Adapt IT for its support as one of the main sponsors of the forthcoming hackathon to be held later in the week.
While thanking Adapt IT for its generous sponsorship and interest in future collaborations, the Dean, School of Mathematics and Physical Sciences, Prof. Anthony Waititu, noted that:
“Adapt IT’s involvement underscores the growing global interest in supporting African youth innovators and building an inclusive digital future rooted in ethical AI and sustainability.”
The courtesy call also provided a platform for discussions on potential long-term collaborations, including capacity-building programs, research funding, and student mentorship initiatives.
The upcoming Inter-University Hackathon 2025, scheduled for Friday, November 14, has attracted participation from universities across Africa and international sponsors, positioning it as one of the most anticipated innovation events of the year.
