Below is a list of past innovations that have been developed in Kenya and South Africa on the Innovation Institute. Each innovation is framed in a “How Might We?” question that scholars and community members develop in the Inspiration phase of the Institute.
Mungano Soap: Kenya, 2009
How might we create sanitary products using local resources, while engaging women through entrepreneurship and community health outreach?
GroundUp Irrigation: Kenya, 2009
How might we offer a platform where farmers can learn about irrigation methods as well as share their own practices, while ultimately securing a consistent and stable food source for families in the community?
Uta Business Center: South Africa, 2009
How might we create a space for village gatherings and market opportunities while employing community members to manage a facility and run an entrepreneurial venture?
Uta Bakery and Micro-finance Institution: South Africa, 2009
How might we offer micro-loans to villagers who in turn create successful businesses, such as a small scale bakery?
Tsehmbanani Restaurant: South Africa, 2011
Ho might we create a social gathering space where the local community, especially women and girls, can exchange information while feeling safe?
Wakulima Green House: Kenya, 2011
How might we grow and sell fresh affordable vegetables to people in the community of Chanagande?
Timbavi Traditional Foods Project: South Africa, 2011
How might we grow and sell corn and peanuts in a new way on the local market?
Ndoto Enterprises (Coconut Honey): Kenya, 2011
How might we create a healthy sugar product using local resources, while employing youth in the community of Makomboani?
The Kaloleni Connection: Connecting People to People: Kenya, 2011
How might we connect buyers and sellers in rural communities with a community Advertising board for local products and services?
Vuwa Enterprise: Kenya 2011
How might we create an affordable water catchment installment service, while leveraging local finance practices?
PAMOJA Rental Service: Kenya, 2011
How might we foster entrepreneurship and year round agricultural endeavors with a student run tool rental service?
PhaPhamani: South Africa, 2011
How might we turn recyclable material in the community into interactive toys and engaging decor?
Tuungane Company: Kenya 2011
How might we provide residents of Chanagande the opportunity to increase income, diversify local diets and learn new livestock skills by raising poultry lent to community families/members by Tuungane Company?
Tipfuneni: South Africa, 2011
How might we design and install low-cost water cisterns (Xihlovos) in villagers’ yards for gardening utilizing skills of community members in Mabarhule?
Chivrikani: South Africa, 2011
How might we supply chicken to local distributers at a lower price while also keeping money in the community?
Africa Vukani Green House: South Africa, 2011
How might we serve the purpose of growing vegetable seeds (ones that can be re-sown in the upcoming growing season) while also maturing them into saplings?
Hlanganani: South Africa, 2011
How might we provide the opportunity for students to buy and sell school uniforms on consignment?
