Impact Week – A Transformative Journey of Innovation and Collaboration

From August 28 to August 31, the Makerere Innovation and Incubation Center (MIIC) came alive with a burst of creative energy and connection. It was a week that transformed the MIIC into a vibrant playground for innovative ideas, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds to tackle pressing local challenges. This was Impact Week – a four-day, intensive program that left an indelible mark on my life.

The training was facilitated by a team of both international and local coaches of all levels, from juniors to seniors

?As the clock struck 8:30 a.m. on the first day, I couldn't help but feel the weight of the four days ahead. Full-day sessions, often extending beyond 5:00 p.m., seemed daunting. Yet, something magical happened during those seven days. Time seemed to blur, and Impact Week became my sole focus. Surprisingly, it was not tiring; instead, it was exhilarating. But what was the secret behind this exhilaration?

Upon arriving at the MIIC, participants were tasked with choosing their focus areas during the application process. These choices included Climate Change and energy, FinTech, Education, and Agriculture, representing the local challenges at the heart of Impact Week. I, being passionate about environmental conservation, chose Climate Change, which led me to Group Four.

In my group, named "Cloud Bangers," I found myself surrounded by strangers who soon became close collaborators: Edgar Isingoma, Collins, Nsamba Didius, Monica Muyama, Myself Francis Bahene Tumwekwasize and our two junior coaches, Mugadya Collins and Nakintu Milly.

Our challenge was to "Provide affordable green energy for people at Makerere University to improve environmental sustainability." We aptly named our project " PANDA ENERGY

?Guided by our junior coaches, we embarked on a journey to apply the Design Thinking methodology. Four days of brainstorming, ideation, and occasional disagreements led us to a solution that addressed Makerere University's energy woes – an unreliable, expensive, and unsafe power supply. Our solution was to harness kinetic energy to provide a safe, reliable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly power source.

?On the fourth day, each group had the opportunity to present their solutions to a panel of judges. The details of our solution story deserve an article of their own. Here, the focus is on the transformative power of Impact Week itself.

Impact Week's Design Thinking training is unlike any other. It replaces traditional lectures with hands-on, engaging activities, fostering a culture of experimentation and learning by doing. It's a journey filled with 'Aha!' moments, shared laughter, and the exhaustion that comes from pushing your creative boundaries. But most importantly, it's a chance to change the world through innovative thinking.

?Design Thinking is at the core of Impact Week. It teaches participants to tackle challenges innovatively and cultivate a unique entrepreneurial spirit. This experience is not just about solving problems; it's about creating a sustainable future and fostering intercultural connections.

?Impact Week is a non-profit program that transcends borders and organizations, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in developing and emerging economies. It equips the next generation with the skills to become inspiring leaders and change-makers, regardless of their field or expertise.

?One key takeaway from the training is the mantra: "Fall in love with the problem, not a solution." We were constantly reminded to embrace this concept. Imagine you have a brilliant product idea, but your unwavering focus on that solution blinds you to the evolving needs of your audience. Impact Week taught us to stay adaptable and flexible, essential qualities for success in entrepreneurship.

‘’ We are excited to foster entrepreneurship and connect with a new wave of innovation leaders in Kampala, Uganda’’ Vanessa Quirini -???Lead organizer

In my experience, Impact Week has been a remarkable opportunity to learn and apply Design Thinking in real life, solving persistent societal problems effectively. The collaboration within our team and the guidance from our coaches enhanced the experience. I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to participate in Impact Week. It is a fantastic platform to recognize and address complex issues holistically while collaborating with mentors and like-minded individuals.

?In conclusion, Impact Week is not just a training program; it's a transformative journey that empowers individuals to make a positive impact on the world through innovation, collaboration, and the power of Design Thinking.

#impactweek Impact Week @Vanessa Quirini Makerere Innovation and Incubation Center Gilbert Junior Buregyeya

?Kindly subscribe for daily updates on what's happening in the digital space. Each time I publish a notification, you will get a notification on your email or LinkedIn.

Note: If you have a marketing or tech-related event or product that you would want to be covered in my daily newsletter feel free to reach out at?[email protected]

Let your message reach out to thousands of professionals across the world who subscribe to this newsletter.