The Media Innovation Centre (MiC), based at the Aga Khan University in Nairobi, was launched in 2019. The MiC was established under the Media Futures Project as a result of a partnership between DW Akademie and the Graduate School of Media and Communication, Aga Khan University (GSMC, AKU). The MiC is an accelerator and incubator hub for budding media innovators searching for a space to develop and turn their ideas into viable media ventures.
The centre was set up to offer a hub for media practitioners, students and academicians to develop cutting-edge innovation projects that will strengthen Media Viability across East Africa. The MiC provides acceleration and incubation services to galvanize media innovation in East Africa with a focus, not just on creative content, but also on new sustainable business models for the future.
The MiC annually offers a chance to submit the best and brightest innovative ideas that require incubation or acceleration. A committee goes through the submissions after which the shortlisted candidates are called to make a presentation to the panel. Those selected get a lifetime opportunity where they get to work with seasoned media experts to unlock and unleash their ideas by turning them into feasible innovations.
Once an idea passes the vetting process, the innovator/s will be provided space to further develop their actionable insights through acceleration or incubation. The MiC provides them with state-of-the-art tech equipment for practical works, coaching and mentorship by highly trained professionals from AKU and DW Akademie. The team will be trained on how to advance their idea, how to actualize it, manage finances, sustainability, among other topics that lead to Media Viability. As soon as the idea grows wings and becomes a viable innovative business model, the team is encouraged to go out and let it soar high with close supervision and support from the MiC.
We are targeting the smartest media start-ups, talented campus students with great ideas as well as media practitioners already working in the industry.
Yes! There will be a grant of $20,000 for successful incubated ideas for the team. The MiC will closely monitor and assist the team on how to effectively turn the grant into a sustainable venture.
Incubation varies depending on the idea. However, the standard set time is one year.
Yes, we do. We are partnering with the Communication Authority of Kenya in implementing this project. We are similarly looking at on-boarding new partners from the media houses and local media-based tertiary institutions. See our partners here.
The project is funded by German Development Bank, Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau (KfW Entwicklungsbank), under the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The funding was agreed upon by the East African Community (EAC) and BMZ with Aga Khan University appointed as the implementing agency.
The agreed timing of the project is four years, from 2019 to 2022.
DW Akademie is Germany’s leading organization for international media development. Together with partners, DW Akademie seeks to strengthen the human right to freedom of expression and plays a leading role in the development of free media systems, creating access to information, setting standards for education and independent quality journalism. DW Akademie Website
Yes. We offer a limited series of tailor-made training based on industry needs. The training is offered by a team of experts sourced from our DWA partner’s networks. Courses offered include; Human Centred Design, Lean Canvas Model, writing short courses, Pitching and Intellectual Property among others. This training is free and offered on a first-come-first-serve basis.
The Innovation Centre is located on Peponi Rd, House No. 06, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya. You can contact us here
