Alexander Njuguna
Innovation Management
Nairobi, Nairobi Province
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented innovation management professional with a background in computing, economics, and intellectual property strategy. Passionate about fostering innovation ecosystems, supporting startups, and driving research commercialization, I have extensive experience in incubation management, intellectual property management, technology transfer and policy development. Adept at stakeholder engagement, strategic decision-making and leveraging data-driven insights to transform ideas into market-ready solutions. With a global perspective and expertise in incubation management and intellectual property management, I thrive at the intersection of academia, entrepreneurship, and industry, committed to advancing innovation excellence on a global scale.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Languages
Work History
Innovation & Incubation Officer
KCA University
2023.09 - Current
- Developed and implemented 5 programs to support student and faculty innovations.
- Manage the operations of the incubation center, including application processes and exit strategies. This included supporting 13 startups
- Provide mentorship, training, and support to startups and innovators.
- Oversee patenting, copyright, and trademark processes for university innovations.
- Strengthen linkages between academia and industry for research commercialization.
- Organize conferences and summits to showcase research outputs.
- Develop and implement SOPs for innovation management, align initiatives with strategic goals, report on commercialization progress, and advocate for entrepreneurship policies.
- Lead the planning and execution of KCAU’s Innovation Week and Industry Summit.
Research & Innovation Administrative Assistant
KCA University
2022.06 - 2023.09
- Developed and maintained the KCA University Conference Webpage.
- Supported the conference committee.
- Assisted the Webmaster in managing the Research & Innovation Office (RIO) webpage.
- Designed e-posters for RIO workshops and trainings.
- Assisted in organizing hackathons, trainings, and workshops for students.
- Supervised the implementation of the Youth Enterprise Resource Hub (YERH) Web Application.
- Provided administrative support for the Co-Production of Youth Entrepreneurship in Kenya Project.
Intern – Research, Innovation & Outreach
KCA University
2022.03 - 2022.06
- Perform content collection from all RIO events and activities.
- Update the RIO webpage by generating all the required content.
- Acquire, develop and maintain research output statistics from faculty and graduate students.
- Communicate Research output statistics on the RIO Webpage.
- Write research briefs about Research and Innovation activities.
- Support the planning and management of the RIO activities especially the KCA University International Conference. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Applied Computing (Software Development)
KCA University
Nairobi 2019.05 - 2022.11
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
Moi University
Eldoret 2012.11 - 2019.08
Skills
- Innovation & Incubation Management
- Research & Technology Commercialization
- Intellectual Property Management
- Academia-Industry Collaboration
- Program Development
- Event & Program Coordination
- Digital Content Development
- Stakeholder Engagement
Additional Information
- Intellectual Property Management - World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) & Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA)
- Incubation Leadership and Innovation Management - Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) & Inter-University Council of East Africa (IUCEA)
- Upskiling and Innovation Training (Microsoft Leap)- Microsfoft ADC
Accomplishments
Innovation & Incubation Lead, KCA University
- Developed and implemented 4 innovation programs to support student and faculty innovations, mentored startups, and strengthened industry linkages.
Event Organizer, KCAU Innovation Week & Industry Summit
- Coordinated a multi-day event per semester with keynote speakers, expert panels, hackathons, and exhibitions, fostering innovation and commercialization.
Policy and SOP Developer for Innovation Management
- Developed policy and frameworks for incubation processes, intellectual property management, and research commercialization. This includes the University Commercialization MasterPlan and Policy.
Technology Commercialization & IP Protection Facilitator
- Led filing of 13 Intellectual Properties including patents and utility models. Conducted awareness programs on intellectual property rights.
University-Industry Collaboration Strengthener
- Built partnerships with corporate organizations, government agencies, and international institutions to support research commercialization. This includes AWS, Microsoft ADC, Circle Innovation, Ruby Africa etc.
Digital Platforms Manager for Research & Innovation
- Managed the KCA University Conference webpage and Research, Innovation & Outreach (RIO) webpage, enhancing visibility and engagement.
Youth Enterprise Resource Hub (YERH) Web Application Supervisor
- Played a key role in implementing a platform supporting youth entrepreneurship in Kenya (yerh-kenya.com).
Recognized Contributor to Research & Innovation
- Received special recognition during KCAU’s 16th and 17th graduation ceremonies for impactful work in research and innovation.
Hackathons, Trainings, and Research Events Supporter
- Assisted in organizing research conferences, workshops, and hackathons, fostering a culture of innovation and problem-solving.
Challenge-Based Learning Enhancer
- Led the enhancement of challenge-based learning through Learning and Design Labs, promoting innovation for real-life problem solutions through human-centered designs. The first Learning and Design Lab was financed by the British Council, in partnership between KCA University and the University of Nottingham.
Timeline
Innovation & Incubation Officer
KCA University
2023.09 - Current
Research & Innovation Administrative Assistant
KCA University
2022.06 - 2023.09
Intern – Research, Innovation & Outreach
KCA University
2022.03 - 2022.06
Bachelor of Science - Applied Computing (Software Development)
KCA University
2019.05 - 2022.11
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
Moi University
2012.11 - 2019.08