Airtel launches innovation hub at UR Huye campus

A new innovation hub has been launched at the University of Rwanda’s College of Arts in Huye District, Southern Province. The hub was launched in partnership with Airtel Rwanda and the University of Rwanda yesterday. A student starts to use an iMac as Airtels Managing Director, Michael Adjei (red tie), URs Deputy Vice Chancellor, Pudence Rubingisa (blue suit) and students follow. Faustin Niyigena. Speaking at the launch, Airtel Rwanda managing director Michael Adjei noted that the innovation hub would empower students with information and telecommunication skills that will enable them to be more digitally enlightened and ultimately become more competitive in today’s fast changing economy. “The Government of Rwanda wants the country to become an ICT hub in the near future, the innovation hub’s goals are to support development of ICT in Rwanda,” Adjei said. The hub has also where students will sit while thinking of their projects and having coffee. Faustin Niyigena. He added that the facility is well equipped with brand new Apple computers, laptops, video conference facilities, television screens and reliable internet connection as well as servers and storage devices for the students to store their projects. “We need to create and bring projects to life and boost sustainable innovation among university students, community value and sustainability among the contributions to the entrepreneurial environment,” Adjei said. Airtels Adjei explains to students how the video conference room works. Faustin Niyigena. Inspiring efforts The Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Pudence Rubingisa, observed that the innovation hub would bring students together to create something bigger. George Emmy Bikorimana, a student, said they will have the ability to connect with other students or likeminded individuals to share ideas through video conferencing. URs wish is to have innovation hubs with kind of these facilities at all campuses which are currently more than ten. Faustin Niyigena. “Through this hub we are going to benefit a lot; learning many things happening worldwide. This hub will be a great asset,” Bikorimana added. “We will be able to get new apps. My advice to other students is to make good use of this hub to research and innovate.” Officials urged students to innovate solutions for the people like founders (pictured on the wall) of Apple, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, WhatsApp, Twitter, Facebook among others. Faustin Niyigena. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Airtel launches innovation hub at UR Huye campus