Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology is extending frontiers of innovation by applying scientific knowledge to solve societal problems. The university recently scooped top innovation awards during the Africa Public Service Day celebrations 2024. JKUAT won in four categories namely technology and digitization; healthcare and pharmaceutical; most professional submission; and best innovation on citizen centred service delivery in Africa.
The innovations that were feted during event were a universal sign language translation application and acyclovir derivative for treatment of Herpes Simplex Virus.
JKUAT remains one of the few universities in Sub- Saharan Africa that has invested in Intellectual Property (IP) matters. In June this year, the university launched its Intellectual Property Management Policy to streamline the management and commercialization of intellectual property rights and related issues at the university.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi noted that JKUAT’s IP index has been on the rise in the last five years on the rise, driven by the desire of the university to ensure that knowledge and technology resulting from its teaching and research activities are made available to the larger society.
Prof. Ngumi noted that JKUAT through the directorate of Intellectual Property Management and University Industry Liaison (DIPUIL), is currently engaging industry partners to translate its IP resources into commercialised products.
Currently, JKUAT holds a total of 71 IP assets including 16 patents, 21 utility models, 29 trademarks, two industrial designs and three copyrights, making it one of the leading universities in IP registration in the region.
According to DIPUIL Director, Eng. B.K Kariuki, commercialization of IP will enable JKUAT to play an important role in supporting Kenya’s development objectives including actualization of Vision 2030.
He added that JKUAT’s Intellectual Property policy provides a framework for the university, researchers, employees, research sponsors and collaborators to actively commercialise ideas and creative works.