Victoria Institute of Science and Technology is a school of practice

The Victoria Institute of Science and Technology (VIST) seeks to contribute directly to the community in which it is located through enterprise development, education and research. The initial focus of its work is three-fold.

PS Information and Communication, Dr Bitange Ndemo (right) and Prof. Calestous Juma of Havard University during the launch of VIST in Kisumu.

First, it works to incubate new businesses. Second, it will help refurbish existing businesses. Third, it will assist existing firms to improve their performance through training. In addition to its initial focus on Kisumu, VIST will carry out the same activities around Lake Victoria and will collaborate with like-minded institutions around the world.

The focus of VIST is to create new technology-based enterprises. It will help young people identify technology- based opportunities, assess their potential and create new ventures. In addition, it will assist to revive ailing enterprises. VIST will provide mentorship and connect young innovators with potential financiers.

VIST will help to foster new ideas.This will be done through workshops, seminars, conferences and other interactive sessions. The ideas generated through these interactions will be developed further and turned into business plans.

It will run business plan competitions based on ideas from a diversity of sources. The winning business plans will be presented to potential funders for their consideration. VIST is working with banks and private financiers to create a venture fund to support winning business plans.

VIST will provide challenge grants to help finance innovation. The aim of the challenge grants is to recognize and foster activities that are carried out before the funding is made available. It aims to support those who are already helping themselves through their own initiative, hard word, dedication and sacrifice.

Mentoring will be provided by VIST through electronic means. Furthermore, special mentoring sessions will be convened to coincide with the various workshops, seminars and conferences organized by VIST.

VIST will offer experiential education to people seeking to translate ideas into technology-based enterprises. It will therefore link training directly to entrepreneurial activities. The development of centres of practice will be guided by entrepreneurial opportunities and strategic partnerships.

To inspire and challenge the next generation of entrepreneurs, VIST will use prizes to celebrate excellence. The prizes will be awarded during the "Innovation Week" convened annually by VIST in partnership with government, industry, academia and civil society.

Prof Calestous Juma

Individuals who have made outstanding contributions to society by using science, technology, engineering and mathematics to solve socioeconomic problems will be elected to its Regional Academy of Technology and Engineering (RATE).

The Fellows will be elected by their peers and serve as role models for young people.

VIST operates a digital library and promotes the use of online material for research purposes.

It partners with the MIT Open Courseware.

VIST will disseminate information on its activities and its areas of interest to the wider public through research papers, blogs, news updates and events.