In today’s rapidly evolving global economy, higher education institutions are no longer confined to their traditional role of imparting knowledge and conducting research. Instead, they are increasingly expected to serve as engines of innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology transfer. Universities are uniquely positioned to foster new ideas, nurture startups, and bring groundbreaking solutions to market—bridging the gap between academic research and industry application.
KCA University, one of Kenya’s most forward-looking academic institutions, has long embraced this transformation. Committed to excellence in teaching, research, and community service, the University continues to invest in creating a vibrant ecosystem where creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship can thrive. At the core of this mission lies a critical opportunity: the position of Manager – Entrepreneurship, Incubation and Technology Transfer.
This role is designed for a dynamic, visionary, and entrepreneurial leader who can transform academic discoveries and student ideas into real-world ventures. The successful candidate will be entrusted with building an environment where groundbreaking concepts are not only developed but also nurtured into sustainable enterprises that contribute meaningfully to society and the economy.
As Kenya positions itself as a hub for innovation in Africa, this position will serve as a bridge between academia, industry, and government, ensuring that KCA University is at the forefront of entrepreneurial growth and technological advancement. For passionate professionals looking to make an impact on higher education and the entrepreneurial ecosystem, this is a rare and prestigious opportunity to lead initiatives that change lives, create jobs, and shape the future.
Job Objective
The Manager – Entrepreneurship, Incubation and Technology Transfer will be responsible for leading and managing strategic initiatives that develop and sustain a vibrant innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem at KCA University. This role is central to aligning the university’s entrepreneurship and innovation agenda with its broader strategic goals.
Beyond fostering internal growth, the position will focus on building external partnerships, driving commercialization efforts, and ensuring that innovations created within the university benefit both society and the economy.
Detailed Duties and Responsibilities
The role of Manager – Entrepreneurship, Incubation and Technology Transfer is multifaceted, requiring expertise across program design, startup support, intellectual property management, stakeholder engagement, and strategic leadership. Below is a breakdown of the responsibilities:
1. Program Design and Implementation
- Develop and oversee initiatives that cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets and skillsets among students, staff, and faculty.
- Create and execute structured programs that support the entire innovation journey—from ideation to commercialization.
- Ensure these programs are aligned with national and global best practices in incubation and entrepreneurship training.
2. Startup Incubation and Acceleration
- Identify, evaluate, and support promising business ideas emerging from the university community.
- Provide startups with access to incubation and acceleration programs that include mentorship, training, and access to networks.
- Establish clear policies and frameworks for startup admission, ongoing mentorship, resource allocation, and graduation from incubation programs.
- Oversee daily operations of KCA University’s incubation centre, ensuring that it serves as a hub for innovation and business development.
3. Events and Innovation Platforms
- Organize workshops, boot camps, hackathons, and pitch competitions to spark creativity, problem-solving, and idea validation.
- Provide platforms where students and faculty can showcase innovative projects to external stakeholders such as investors, government agencies, and industry leaders.
- Foster cross-disciplinary collaboration within the university to encourage new solutions to complex problems.
4. Business Development Support for Startups
- Facilitate access to markets for startups by connecting them with industry partners and potential clients.
- Guide entrepreneurs on securing funding opportunities, including venture capital, grants, and donor-supported initiatives.
- Support startups with technical assistance in business modeling, strategy, and operational efficiency.
- Provide advisory on regulatory and legal compliance to ensure startups operate within Kenya’s legal and business frameworks.
5. Intellectual Property (IP) Management and Commercialization
- Establish frameworks for the identification, protection, and management of intellectual property generated at the university.
- Facilitate the registration of patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
- Develop commercialization strategies that ensure university-generated IP creates tangible societal and economic benefits.
- Negotiate licensing agreements and collaborations that allow technologies to be transferred to startups or industry partners.
6. Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and strengthen collaborations with government agencies, industry leaders, and funding institutions to enhance the university’s innovation ecosystem.
- Leverage partnerships to secure resources, funding, and opportunities for faculty and student innovators.
- Act as the primary liaison between KCA University’s incubation office and external partners, ensuring mutual value is created.
7. Capacity Building and Training
- Train faculty, staff, and students on innovation management, IP protection, commercialization strategies, and entrepreneurial best practices.
- Develop training programs that position KCA University as a regional leader in entrepreneurship and innovation education.
- Mentor student entrepreneurs, providing them with guidance on business planning, scaling, and sustainability.
8. Resource and Budget Management
- Oversee budgets allocated to the Entrepreneurship, Incubation, and Technology Transfer office.
- Ensure efficient utilization of financial, human, and physical resources to maximize impact.
- Explore opportunities for donor funding and grant applications to expand resources for incubation and entrepreneurial activities.
9. Impact Measurement and Reporting
- Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to assess the success of incubation and technology transfer programs.
- Regularly monitor progress and outcomes of initiatives to ensure alignment with strategic goals.
- Prepare and present detailed reports to the university’s senior management, showcasing achievements, challenges, and recommendations.
Key Qualifications and Experience
- Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Entrepreneurship, or Business Management from a recognized institution.
- At least six (6) years of relevant work experience in areas such as technology transfer, commercialization, or management of incubation centres.
- Practical experience in budget management and donor-funded project oversight is highly desirable.
Core Skills and Competencies
To succeed in this role, candidates must demonstrate:
- Strong knowledge of intellectual property law, startup ecosystems, and commercialization strategies.
- Excellent communication and networking skills to engage with diverse stakeholders.
- Proven leadership ability to manage teams and oversee complex projects.
- A passion for working with startups, entrepreneurs, and innovation-driven enterprises.
- Strategic thinking, with the ability to translate ideas into actionable initiatives that drive real impact.
Why This Role Matters
The Manager – Entrepreneurship, Incubation and Technology Transfer is not just an administrative role. It is a mission-driven position designed to transform ideas into opportunities, and opportunities into sustainable ventures. By leading this portfolio at KCA University, the successful candidate will directly contribute to:
- Empowering students and staff to pursue entrepreneurial ventures.
- Creating new businesses that generate jobs and strengthen Kenya’s economy.
- Enhancing the global competitiveness of KCA University as a hub for innovation.
- Fostering partnerships that bridge academia with industry and government.
- Ensuring that intellectual property generated by the university translates into real-world impact.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the requirements should submit the following:
- A detailed application letter.
- A comprehensive CV with at least three referees.
- Copies of academic and professional certificates.
- A valid copy of Kenya National ID and KRA PIN certificate.
Applications must be received on or before October 10, 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
