Tech Park Kaunas partners with Kenyan innovation hub to empower women entrepreneurs

Tech Park Kaunas has launched a strategic partnership with Kenyatta Univerity’s Women Economic Empowerment Hub (KU WEE Hub) under the SEADE Twinning Program, aiming to strengthen women-led innovation ecosystems across Africa and Europe. 

Women own over 43% of micro and small enterprises in Kenya, yet they continue to face significant challenges, including limited access to finance, technology, and networks, as well as societal and gender biases. Recognising that gender- responsive business incubation is a powerful tool to overcome those barriers, the new alliance will share expertise and develop tailored support to accelerate women entrepreneurship in both continents. 

During a recent visit to Kenyatta University, Head of Quality, Zivile Pauzaite, presented the Kaunas startup community, women entrepreneurship insights, and highlights from Interreg Baltic Sea Region BSI4Women initiative. These sparked strategic dialogues around designing incubation models that effectively meet women entrepreneur’s needs. 

KU WEE Hub, led by Judith Waudo, outlined plans to expand their women-focused training into a hybrid format combining online learning with hands-on incubation. With Kenyatta University’s research already influencing national tourism and gender policies, this partnership is poised to deepen EU-Africa cooperation and enhance support for women-led enterprises. 

The visit included meetings chaired by Professor Richard Okoth Oduor (Research, Innovation and, Outreach), fostering alignment of strategic priorities and the establishment of clear milestones for the Kenya-Lithuanian collaboration. From immersive peer learning at the Chandaria Business Innovation & Incubation Center to high level stakeholder forums, the exchange focused on co-creating scalable and impactful solutions for tomorrow’s entrepreneurs.