US-based technology firm Cisco Systems is set to launch an innovation hub in Nairobi later this year.
Cisco seeks to recruit tech enthusiasts in the country with the Sh50 million ($500,000) lab that has a capacity of at least 50 developers per cohort.
The company looks to host different groups every year, with the period of incubation based on need basis. Potential beneficiaries of the program will first be vetted to assess the viability of their digital innovations.
The innovation hub, which will be opened in September, is one of three that Cisco is launching in sub-Saharan Africa. The other two will be opened in South Africa.
“The innovation centres will be free for use by digital innovations and small medium enterprises. Here they will horn their digital skills, meet and collaborate among themselves and get experts advice,” said Cisco East Africa and Indian Ocean Islands, David Bunei.
“They will also have access to some of our infrastructure (APIs) which they will use if need be to build solutions around them,” said Mr Bunei, who was speaking during the launch of the 11th edition of Cisco Annual Cybersecurity Report in Nairobi.
