The industry Catalyst Program
Description
The Industry Catalyst Program is a multi-sector industry corporate Innovation program that allows startups and University student entrepreneurs/innovators to co-creatively build business solutions with already established companies and organizations in Uganda across all sectors. Large-scale consumer goods and services companies partner with MIIC to create and implement an innovation challenge targeting the company’s different consumer challenges. Through a three-month mentorship program, Innovators are challenged to ideate and prototype around the company’s goods and services in areas such as supply and customer engagement, with the aim of helping the company identify potential customer-centric ideas that can be turned into new or improved products or services or solutions to the company’s challenges.
Impact
Access to New and Innovative Solutions Participating companies will gain direct access to innovative products, services, and processes co-created with startups and innovators. These solutions are designed using design thinking methodologies and digital transformation strategies, ensuring they address real business challenges while remaining customer-centric. By adopting these innovations, companies can improve operational efficiency, strengthen competitiveness, and increase sales revenues in both local and regional markets. Enhanced Brand Visibility and Customer Engagement: Through the program’s structured communication and media outreach strategy, companies will enjoy increased brand promotion and visibility. Program activities, including innovation expos, pitching sessions, and co-creation workshops, will be featured on national television, radio, print, and digital media platforms. This exposure not only strengthens a company’s brand positioning but also deepens customer engagement by showcasing its commitment to supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in Uganda. Pipeline of Strategic Investment Opportunities: The collaboration provides companies with a unique opportunity to identify high-potential startups and investment-ready ideas within their industry. By engaging early with these ventures, companies can secure strategic partnerships, equity stakes, or supplier relationships that diversify their portfolio and strengthen their long-term growth prospects. This creates an internal pipeline of innovation while reducing the risks and costs typically associated with in-house research and development. Talent Identification and Workforce Development:Through the mentorship and incubation phases, companies will interact with a pool of highly skilled and creative young innovators. This engagement creates opportunities for talent scouting, enabling firms to identify potential employees who possess relevant technical expertise, entrepreneurial mindsets, and problem-solving skills. By recruiting from this talent pipeline, companies can strengthen their workforce with individuals who are already familiar with the industry’s challenges and innovation pathways. Strengthened Industry Leadership and Partnerships: Active participation in the program positions companies as thought leaders and champions of innovation in their respective sectors. This not only strengthens relationships with policymakers, academia, and development partners but also provides opportunities to form collaborative partnerships with other industry players. Such networks enhance knowledge exchange, foster collective problem-solving, and open doors for joint ventures or consortium-based initiatives.
Target Audience
MSMEs in Manufacturing, Tourism and hospitality, Banks,
Industrial Value Chains
Partnerships
Partnership / Collaborative (joint ownership between individuals and institutions, or across multiple partners)
Innovation Details
April 5, 2025
Contact Information
Rachel Lwantale
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