Origin Research
Transforming African through original and

Transforming Africa Through African solitions.

what we do.

Origin is a hub for transformative ideas and technologies, rooted in African knowledge systems and driven by the future. We believe that Africa’s challenges require original, indigenous-informed, and forward-thinking solutions.

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ORIGIN RESEARCH & INNOVATION LAB INITIATIVES AND PROGRAMS

Programs to accelerate and scale problem-solving for Africa & the world.

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Origin continues to develop programs for implementation of strategies to accelerate realization of its mission. To this end the Practical Field Lab, Origin Fest, have been very effective instruments for mapping of  challenges and scoping problems, recruiting of challenge-owners, and subsequently mobilizing young talent to create solutions. In addition, the Origin Venture Growth School is of enormous value in supporting scale up of implementation of the solutions and ensuring long term sustainability. 

 

Program Highlights

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ORIGIN CHALLENGES
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Solvers recruited to the platform
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Mapped Challenges
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Problem Solvers
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Fellows Recruited
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Scaleup ventures along transformative value chain

Origin Challenges is a platform connecting African problems to African problem solvers.

We invite individuals, communities, companies, and institutions to submit real-world challenges—from local issues to industry-scale problems. Once submitted, these challenges are matched with teams of Origin collaborators: designers, researchers, engineers, and entrepreneurs drawn from across the continent.

Become a Problem Solver

Origin exists to harness the continent’s creative potential and to shape a new path for innovation—one built on collaboration, imagination, and impact.

Join our community of innovators, leaders, and visionaries.
Become a Challenger

Specialized Frameworks for Problem-solving

Biomedical Industry

 

In partnership with Medevice Africa Ltd, Origin has developed a framework  to develop a range of medical devices appropriate to Africa’s health needs. In this regard Origin provides a framework for engineers and scientists to solve the challenges identified by industry. Development of two devices is underway under this framework.

 

In partnership with Villgro Africa, Origin has developed a framework for recruiting innovators and researchers with groundbreaking solutions for the health sector for incubation as fellows by Villgro Africa.  It recruited two team fellows who were subsequently incubated by Villgro so as to fully develop their innovations for scaling up.      

Origin is working with a large network of biomedical engineers who have innovated to address challenges. Thus in addition to developing medical technology, Origin is creating a manufacturing system to support scaling up of the innovations.  To this end there is a need for more partners to enable the biomedical industry to reach a level where economies of scale are realized.

Open Silicon Foundry Platform (OSFP)

 

The OSFP advances workforce development and capacity building on the continent by integrating theoretical training with hands-on industrial experience. To this end, it has a partnership with Semiconductor Technologies Ltd and other globally leading semiconductor companies, and engineers and scientists in the diaspora. It provides opportunities and support for microchip development, fostering the growth of semiconductor value chains and devices for diverse economic applications. Origin has five  flagship projects on micro-chip design to address challenges identified along transformative value chains and industry of which three are in medtech. Origin requires challenges and sponsorship for fellows to develop the solutions.  

Home and Personal Care Products Consortium

 

The consortium aims to accelerate research, share knowledge, and drive innovation to address the growing needs of African consumers for safe, effective, and sustainable personal care products.  Origin is currently recruiting from across the continent scientists, practitioners and entrepreneurs in the personal care industry.

Complex Particle System

 

Working with the Center for Complex Particle Systems (COMPASS) in the USA, Origin has identified  four flagship problems that can be addressed at scale across the region by application of knowledge and existing complex particle systems innovations. Origin seeks scientists, innovators, and supporting agencies  interested in working with COMPASS in developing on the continent  solutions, applications, and ventures based on complex particle systems. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) PlatformTab

 

Following a successful UNECA side-event at the 2023 Kenya Innovation Week Conference, Origin in partnership with Intel Corporation and the Commission for University Education designed a framework for AI upskilling of  university top management and administrators with a view of creating a fertile environment for applying AI to solve problems and increase productivity.  Over 60 top administrators from over 25 institutions benefited and subsequently 17 ICT faculty were trained as lead facilitators to continue the upskilling of staff, students, and administrators in universities and tertiary institutions. In partnership with Intel, Origin is developing an AI unit that will enable access to extensive Intel resources in its makespace at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology to facilitate use of AI in co-creation of solutions to challenges. Already, five challenges have solutions that incorporate AI tools.

 

 

Origin Journal & Blog

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Our Partners

we grow together

What it’s like
to collaborate together.

Testimonials from Our Partners & Participants, Challengers & Problem Solvers
Practical Field Lab

"I was part of the Practical Field Labs which was an enriching experience. I was actively involved in the water quality monitoring system, where we worked closely with field subject experts on the ground to address some of their most pressing challenges. The experience sharpened my problem-solving skills and taught me how to approach technical issues professionally in a collaborative and dynamic environment."

Bosire Caleb

Co-founder Ori-Fish

Origin Venture School

Origin and the Practical Field Lab Program introduced me to a whole new world and altered my perspective on engineering, innovation and entrepreneurship. Working with the team was worth-while."

Jeiji Gathu

Origin MIE Student, Orifish Co-Founder

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