UGANDA, Kololo | Real Muloodi News | Housing Finance Bank, in partnership with StartHub Africa, KaCyber, NITA Uganda, and Jumia Uganda, has launched the Open Innovation Program aimed at advancing solutions for smart cities in Uganda.
The program, commissioned by Make-IT in Africa, a project by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, seeks to bridge the gap between private and public sector needs by supporting early-stage innovators and entrepreneurs in developing technology-driven solutions for smart cities.
The official kick-off event of the Open Innovation Program took place at Housing Finance Bank’s headquarters in Kololo.
During the event, Mr Micheal Opira, Chief Operating Officer of Housing Finance Bank, highlighted the crucial role of technology in creating sustainable real estate and smart cities.
He expressed excitement about the initiative, stating that it empowers entrepreneurs to develop transformative tech solutions that will revolutionise cities, improve the quality of life, and contribute to the country’s sustainable development.
The Open Innovation Program is designed to build capacity for startups and refine smart city innovations through personalised venture development and business modelling.
It aims to establish long-term partnerships and empower startups to take their ideas to the next level. Participants in the program will have access to resources such as partnerships with esteemed organisations, coaching and mentorship, learning workshops, investor meetings, and a supportive community of entrepreneurs.
The program will focus on fostering digital solutions that enhance housing affordability and accessibility, support businesses in reaching and engaging consumers, and improve citizens’ access to public services.
Housing Finance Bank is committed to driving innovation and sustainability in the real estate sector. By collaborating with startups and key industry stakeholders, the bank aims to fulfil its purpose of enabling sustainable home ownership and financial independence for the people of Uganda.
The Open Innovation Program aligns with this mission by providing startups with the necessary support and resources to refine their ideas, scale their businesses, and make a lasting impact on the future of smart cities.
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