1. Background
The African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS), in collaboration with the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) and the Network of Entrepreneurial Institutions Leaders (NEIL) is implementing NEIF Phase II (2025–2026) to strengthen academia–industry linkages for research commercialisation in Kenya. This initiative addresses persistent gaps in Kenya’s innovation pipeline, including weak industry–academia collaboration, limited market uptake of research outputs, and insufficient structured pathways for commercialization. The initiative combines ecosystem-level convening with deep, institution- and industry-level pilots to accelerate translation of research into market-ready solutions.
To support delivery of this work, ACTS and KeNIA seek to engage a Lead Consultant to provide technical leadership, coordination and implementation support including the development and validation of Industry–Academia Collaboration Roadmaps and support to key innovation convenings, particularly the Commercialisation and Entrepreneurial Institutions Leaders (CEIL) Summit 2026.
2. Scope of Services
The consultant will work under the overall supervision of KeNIA, in close collaboration with ACTS and NEIL and will be responsible for the following:
2.1 Desk and contextual research
- Undertake a detailed literature and case review of global and regional industry- university models for commercialisation.
- Identify success factors, structural enablers, barriers, and policy practices relevant to the Kenyan innovation ecosystem.
- Deliver a comprehensive context analysis report that includes evidence, trends, and actionable insights for roadmap design.
2.2 Pilot Selection Framework
- Develop transparent eligibility and evaluation criteria for selecting pilot institutions and research innovations.
- Manage the outreach, application review, and selection process for five (5) pilot institutions and five (5) innovations, ensuring diversity and relevance.
- Produce a selection report with recommendations.
2.3 Institutional Analyses
- Conduct institutional situational analyses for selected higher education institutions including interviews, document reviews, capacity assessments, and ecosystem mapping.
- Produce institution-specific analysis reports highlighting readiness, gaps, and opportunities for industry collaboration.
2.4 Industry Partner Engagement
- Map and engage with at least five (5) industry partners relevant to the pilot innovations.
- Facilitate structured engagements, reverse pitches, and co-creation scoping with industry stakeholders.
- Produce an industry partner engagement report including opportunity matrices, partnership assessments, and risk considerations.
2.5 Industry – Academia Collaboration Roadmaps
- Co-design roadmap templates reflecting phases from ideation to commercialisation.
- Host multi-stakeholder workshops to co-create validated Industry–Academia Collaboration Roadmaps.
2.6 Implementation support and partnership agreements
- Support early implementation steps, including drafting MOUs/LOIs between academic and industry partners.
- Provide advisory support on institutional processes, approval pathways and execution risks.
2.7 Monitoring learning and reflection
- Design an M&E framework tailored to the pilots with learning pauses and reflection sessions.
- Produce periodic monitoring and learning reports with lessons and adaptations.
2.8 CEIL Summit 2026 support
- Contribute to programme design, industry showcase curation, session planning and documentation.
- Prepare CEIL 2026 industry engagement briefing materials and outcome reports.
3. Required qualifications and experience
The consultant should demonstrate the following:
- Advanced degree in innovation studies, technology transfer, entrepreneurship or related fields
- At least 10 years’ experience in:
- Research commercialisation
- Academia–industry partnerships
- Innovation ecosystem development
- Proven experience working with:
- Universities and research institutions
- Private sector and industry partners
- Government and/or national science technology innovation agencies
- Strong facilitation, stakeholder engagement and report-writing skills
- Experience in Kenya or comparable innovation ecosystems is a strong advantage
4. Duration of the assignment
The consultancy will run from January to August 2026, aligned with the NEIF Phase II implementation period.
5. Submission requirements
Interested consultants should submit:
- Technical Proposal, including methodology, work plan, and understanding of the assignment.
- Curriculum Vitae of the lead consultant and proposed team (if any).
- Financial Proposal indicating consultant fees, taxes, and any associated costs.
Submission Deadline: 16th January 2026
Send applications via e-mail to: CMideva@acts-net.org with a copy to f.okwara@kenia.go.ke
