FAQs

The main objectives of IndustryMeetsTalent are to solve major industry pain points, create dignified work opportunities, and promote entrepreneurship. By leveraging the talents and solutions available at universities and TVETs, the initiative aims to address industry challenges and provide sustainable solutions for the benefit of both industries and academia.

Unlike traditional approaches that focus on supply-driven training and education, IndustryMeetsTalent takes a demand-driven approach. Instead of solely relying on training and education, the initiative identifies industry pain points and utilizes talents and solutions from universities and TVETs to effectively solve these challenges.

This initiative is unique because it is industry-driven, meaning it focuses on solving real industry needs. It identifies suitable solutions and skill sets at universities and TVETs to address these needs. Selected teams will undergo a training, coaching, and industry engagement program to enhance their capacity. The initiative concludes with a Deal Day where the industry can onboard the selected teams as suppliers of solutions or as employees.

Access to Industry: The program creates platforms and mechanisms for universities and TVETs to establish strong linkages with industries, leading to mutual learning and knowledge transfer.

Embedding Market-Relevant Skills: The training provided through the initiative focuses on embedding market-relevant skills and competencies in students, enhancing their employability.

Showcasing Capabilities: Participating institutions and students have the opportunity to showcase their capabilities and demonstrate their capacity to provide solutions needed by local industries and businesses.

Access to Funding & Grants: Universities and TVETs may become eligible for financial support from various sources if they successfully address industry pain points during the program.

Access to Industry: The initiative provides unique opportunities for teams to directly engage with industry professionals. Through visits and access to experts, teams can gain valuable insights into real-world practices, industry trends, and challenges. This exposure helps in building strong linkages between academia and industry.

Impact-Oriented Training Program: The training program offered through the initiative is designed to equip participants with market-relevant skill sets. It focuses on practical, industry-specific knowledge that can be immediately applied in professional settings. The program is tailored to have a tangible impact on participants' careers and enhance their employability.

Hands-On 1-on-1 Coaching: Teams receive personalized coaching to effectively implement their learnings into action. The dedicated coaches work closely with each team, providing guidance, feedback, and support throughout the process. This one-on-one coaching ensures that teams can successfully translate their acquired skills and knowledge into practical outcomes.

Access to Training Materials: Participating teams have access to all the training materials and resources provided as part of the initiative. These materials serve as valuable references, enabling teams to continue their learning and development even after the program ends. The resources cover a wide range of topics and are tailored to meet the specific needs of the teams.

Publicity/Visibility of Teams and Projects: Participating teams and their projects receive publicity and visibility through the IndustryMeetsTalent Initiative. This exposure can open doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and recognition within the industry. It helps to showcase the capabilities and achievements of the teams, fostering their professional growth and networking prospects.

No Cost, Free of Charge: One of the key advantages of the Industry Meets Talent Initiative is that all activities and resources are provided free of charge to the participating teams. This removes any financial barriers and ensures equal access to the benefits and opportunities offered by the initiative.

To participate, you may visit the www.industrymeetstalent.com/apply website and review the identified pain points. Select the relevant pain point that you are able to address most effectively and develop your idea or solution. If you have potential solutions for multiple pain points, you can apply separately for each one.

The pilot project is open to students, faculty and staff from all disciplines in any public or private university or TVET institution in the Nairobi Metropolitan area.

Participants are encouraged to participate in a team of up to 5 members. However, for some selected pain points, individuals may apply.

Once you have developed your narrative, fill out the application form provided on the website. Make sure to provide all the necessary details and information.

The application portal opens on July 21st 2023, and closes on August 21st 2023.

No, submitting an application or being selected will not create any legally or financially binding commitment.

No, all activities are completely free of charge for the selected teams.

Yes, all selected teams and their members are expected to be fully committed to attending all aspects of the program.

Action-oriented teaching program will take place in the first 8 weeks (2.5h a week).

One-on-one coaching sessions from mid-September to mid-December (1h a week).

Industry engagement throughout mid-September to mid-December (1h a week).

Deal Day (at the end of the training) where industry partners will onboard teams identified based on having the best ideas for addressing specific industry pain points.

All teams will be notified of the evaluation outcome by August 31st, 2023.

Industry engagement is a part of the program where participants have the opportunity to engage with industry in order to ensure teams address the identified industry pain points. It takes place from mid-September to mid-December, once a week for 1 hour.

Yes, selected participants must be able to attend the in-person training and coaching sessions at a venue in Nairobi that will be communicated.

The Deal Day (at the end of the training) where industry partners will onboard teams identified based on having the best ideas for addressing specific industry pain points.

A modest ground transportation cost to the training venue may be provided if needed.

Implementing partners, industry partners, reviewers, and selected teams from universities/TVETs are required to sign Non-Disclosure Agreements to ensure confidentiality if needed.

Before submitting your application, it is important to clarify any IP ownership and IP protection concerns related to your idea with your institution.

Each university and TVET institution should nominate a key contact person for the initiative. Please go to our Contact us section on our website.