The C4DLab at the University of Nairobi has said it is rethinking its startup incubation programme, and will in future be run as both an incubator and an accelerator.
C4DLab launched in 2013 and took in 11 startups last year, including Chura, but its activities are now set for a facelift after a meeting between lab coordinator Dr Tonny Omwansa and prospective partners such as IntelleCap, Kopo Kopo and m:lab.
“First and foremost, the business model will entail C4DLab being run as both a startup accelerator and an incubator,” the lab said, saying this followed the guidelines of the university Incubation Policy, which was launched last week.
“C4DLab is also envisioning to integrate a pre-incubation programme in its major activities – to see to it that the startups graduated after about two years of incubation end up as self-sustaining companies with a considerable positive impact on society, both locally and globally.”
The lab plans to focus on four startups at a time, which will be given all the necessary support before they break even and become independent companies.
“Along with the foregoing measure will come a milestones-based incubation as well as mentorship programmes,” C4DLab said.
“The milestones, timelines and clear expectations are among the most crucial management steps C4DLab is planning to execute for proper utilisation of its resources.
Finally, a lot more in terms of progress is expected when the lab establishes startup champions and necessary collaborations along different disciplines and institutions.”
