The University of Embu has announced a partnership with the Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC) and Gitutho Architects and Planners Limited (GAPL) for development of a certified Carbon Zero building.
The three signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see construction of the Green Innovation Centre in the University of Embu. The facility will house and incubate entrepreneurs and businesses with the aim of addressing challenges of climate change and sustainable agricultural practices undertaken by locals.
The agreement will facilitate research, training, capacity development, sharing of facilities, joint organization of knowledge sharing and community service around green businesses and climate change. Speaking during the signing of the agreement at Embu University, CEO Kenya Climate Change Innovation center Dr. Edward Mungai said the MoU will support agriculture-based technologies among other innovations from the University.
Business incubation
KCIC will further facilitate business incubation and acceleration services by providing advice on related intellectual property rights and strategies, commercial licensing options for the technologies. Dr. Mungai also pointed out that KCIC will fast track developing partnerships with commercial and industry partners for the purpose of deploying the technologies and innovations acquired.
The CEO said KCIC will also help Embu University where the Carbon Zero building will be set in to access funding opportunities so that it can support research on agriculture based technologies and innovations .
University of Embu Vice Chancellor Prof. Daniel Mugendi noted that the building is a game changer to many undertakings being carried out by locals in Mt. Kenya region. He lauded the partnership noting that the university will provide KCIC with a number of agricultural innovations and technologies which have been developed by the university or those which are underway so that it can commercialize them.
