AUCA Innovation Center - Rwanda

MORE THAN JUST AN INNOVATION CENTER, WE ARE AN EMPOWERMENT HUB. CELEBRATING WOMEN EMPOWERMENT AT AUCA INNOVATION CENTER!

That's a fact! Indeed, we are proud to announce that 60% of our first cohort at AUCA Software Innovation Center consists of talented female trainees! This particular feature not only emphasizes our commitment to gender diversity, but also fosters a strong sense of empowerment and fulfillment among our trainees.

As the first cohort engages in intensive training in Cybersecurity and Web Development courses, our female trainees are happy that the Center is enhancing their learning experience, helping them nurture their soft skills and most importantly equipping them with essential skills that will shape their future careers in technology.

Let’s dive in together into the powerful testimonies by our students Ariane Gatesi and Isimbi Karangwa Sandra, as they share how these courses are transforming their paths and strengthening their vision of entrepeneurship and innovation.

At AUCA Innovation Center, we are certainly more than just an incubation hub. We are cultivating the next generation of women leaders in tech! Ishimwe Prince Eustace Penniecook David Rurangirwa Mastercard Foundation

BANK OF KIGALI CEO VISITS AUCA INNOVATION CENTER!

Yesterday 16 October 2024, we were honored to receive at the AUCA Innovation Center, Dr. Diane Karusisi, Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Kigali. Her visit was filled with inspiration and insights that left a lasting impact on our trainees. She engaged with our first cohort in a series of presentations, and commended our trainees for their innovative and smart projects.

Upon her visit, BK's CEO noted the immense potential and talent present within AUCA Innovation Center; and generously shared prospects of future partnerships with the latter, aimed at providing our trainees with enhanced exposure and opportunities in the industry.

Dr. Karusisi stated that what she witnessed reinforces her belief in the future of Rwanda’s flourishing tech community. She further disclosed Bank of Kigali’s commitment to encourage and empower locally produced applications, the area in which the bank already established itself as leader, spearheading home-grown IT Solutions.

Her vision, perfectly aligning with AUCA Innovation Center’s mission to empower students with real-world tech experience; and her words of encouragement, resonated well with our commitment to nurturing creativity, innovation and excellence.

Thank you, Dr. Diane Karusisi, for your inspiring visit and for supporting the next generation of innovators! Ishimwe Prince Eustace Penniecook Mastercard Foundation Bank of Kigali Plc David Rurangirwa

ANOTHER MILESTONE REGISTERED AT AUCA INNOVATION CENTER!

We are pleased to announce that our trainees have registered another win. Our first cohort has successfully completed the Entrepreneurship course, and it’s been an inspiring experience, filled with transformative thinking.

Elvis Gasana Mugisha, one of our standout trainees, proudly shares his testimony: according to him, the insights, skills gained are invaluable, and the course has equiped him with the entrepreneurship mindset.

The Entrepreneurship course at AUCA Innovation Center is designed to ignite passion, foster creativity, and equip future innovation leaders with the necessary tools to undertake impactful projects and drive change.

Congratulations to all our talented trainees! Mastercard Foundation

THROWBACK 12 /09/ 2024: WHEN TRAINEES DEBATE INNOVATION PROJECTS

One month ago, the 1st cohort trainees at the AUCA Software Innovation Center held a panel discussion on how technology and innovations’ endeavors can be leveraged to address key areas affecting citizens in their daily lives.
Grouped into their five research clusters (Health, Education, Agriculture, Economic Development and Crime Prevention), the trainees delivered powerful insights regarding the use and role of tech solutions in the social and economic development of local communities.
It is worth noting that our enthusiastic panelists proved one important aspect: Youth, if empowered, can help provide most needed solutions to current challenges. Their ability to see things in the future, coupled with a creative mindset, are without doubt valuable assets to be tapped in.

Here below we take you through the main topics discussed by our brilliant trainees:

1) HEALTH:
- Digital health solutions improving access to quality healthcare in rural and underserved communities,
- What innovations in healthcare technology are most needed in Rwanda right now, and how can students help address those gaps,
- Potential risks and rewards of using technology in healthcare, particularly regarding data privacy and security.

2) AGRICULTURE
- How technology can be used to address food security and sustainability issues, especially in small-scale farming communities
- Role of the youth in driving agricultural innovations, and what support do they need to be successful?

3) EDUCATION
- How can technology transform education, particularly in rural or underserved areas,
- What’s required to ensure that the use of technology in education promotes inclusivity, especially for marginalized groups.

4) CRIME PREVENTION
- Leveraging data and technology to prevent crime and enhance public safety in Rwanda
- Ethical considerations when developing technology-based crime prevention tools,

5) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
- How can technology-driven entrepreneurship foster economic growth, particularly for young people entering the workforce
- What role do innovation centers play in supporting local economic development, and how can we scale successful projects beyond the pilot phase.

Held on 12 September 2024, the panel discussion was an opportunity for the university leadership and partners to get a glance of the trainees' projects and their fields of application. Witnessing the debate was the Mastercard Country Director, Mr David Rurangirwa, AUCA Interim Vice Chancellor, Assoc Prof Eustace Penniecook and the DVC Academics, Assoc Prof Niyonzima Theogene.

Celebrating Our First Cohort of UI/UX Design Graduates!
We are glad to share the positive feedback from Grace and Alec, two of our talented trainees at the AUCA Software Innovation Center. They, along with 48 other students, have successfully completed our inaugural UI/UX design course.

This first cohort of 50 students is now equipped with competent skills and ready to make a significant impact in the design industry. Our commitment to nurturing future design leaders is evident in the success and enthusiasm of our graduates.

The future looks bright for these trainees as they embark on their professional journeys. We can’t wait to see the innovative solutions and creative designs they will bring to the communities and the world.

Stay tuned for more updates and success stories from our amazing graduates! Mastercard Foundation

Things You May Have Missed: A Divine Dedication at AUCA's Innovation Center!

We are pleased to share that the leadership of AUCA has, on 23 August 2024, dedicated its new Innovation Center to God, the source of all knowledge and wisdom; marking a significant milestone in our mission to empower creativity and drive impactful solutions across our communities!

The ceremony was led by Pastor Ruguri Blasious, AUCA Chancellor and the President of East-Central Africa Division of the SDA Church, alongside Pastor Bylingiro Hesron, AUCA Council Chairman and the President of Rwanda Union Mission of the SDA Church, together with Assoc. Prof Penniecook A. Eustace, the Interim Vice Chancellor of AUCA.

The Innovation Center is not just a physical space; it symbolizes our unwavering faith in the transformative power of education and creativity to tackle the world's challenges. As we embark on this journey, we envision a nurturing environment where groundbreaking ideas can flourish, leading to tangible change and positive impact.

Our vote of thanks go to Mastercard Foundation Rwanda for having partnered with us in this vision! Together, we will harness our collective efforts and creativity to illuminate paths of hope and innovation among youth.

Exciting News! The Adventist University of Central is, in partnership with Mastercard Foundation Rwanda, launching its brand-new and state-of-the-art Innovation Center! Join us as we embark on a journey of creativity, technology, and groundbreaking ideas. Stay tuned for more updates!