Origin Labs administers a distinguished research fellow and visiting professors program tailored for both Ph.D. candidates and Ph.D. graduates of African nationality, whether residing within Africa or in diaspora, who are passionate about propelling Africa’s transformation through innovative and indigenous approaches.
Our program is strategically designed to cultivate the upcoming cohort of African scholars and policymakers, thereby igniting pivotal advancements in developmental research and policy implementation, thus fostering concerted poverty reduction endeavors within the region. Chosen fellows embark on an immersive assignment, spanning either six months or one year, at Origin Labs’ Maker Space Physical Hub situated in the heart of East Africa, currently housed at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology in Kenya. Within this conducive environment, fellows delve deeply into Origin Labs’ operational dynamics, garnering firsthand insights and expertise.
Fellows actively contribute to a diverse array of research endeavors and innovative initiatives spanning multiple sectors, whilst also lending their expertise to the provision of technical assistance, and the facilitation of Origin Labs operations, all harmonized with Origin Labs’ overarching objective of realizing Africa’s transformation through the cultivation of original and indigenous-rooted solutions.
Jepchumba has a vast experience in African Digital Arts Work and received recognition by Forbes as one of the 20 Youngest Power Women in Africa in 2012 as well as Guardian Africa’s top 25 women Achievers.
Startup Name: Pareina Company Limited. Trademark: Dunia Bora.
Vincent Muhoro is a Net Zero and ESG analyst pioneering Africa-led solutions by transforming invasive cactus into anti-aging juice and plant-based leather. A Master’s student at DeKUT, he is building circular economies across arid lands — proving that climate innovation in Africa can be regenerative, homegrown, and globally relevant.
Startup Name: Pareina Company Limited. Trademark: Dunia Bora.
Careen Jepchirchir is a biochemist and the Innovation Lead at Dunia Bora. She develops cactus-based juice, jam, and biopolymers—transforming underused natural resources into practical solutions that increase the per capita income of farmers in arid lands through value addition and creation of employment.
Startup Name: Orifish Aquatech Company
Mechanical Engineering graduate and MIE student with a passion for developing impactful tech solutions. As Co-Founder of Orifish Aquatech, he leads the creation of scalable, context-driven engineering systems that promote efficiency, sustainability, and improved livelihoods across underserved African communities.
Startup Name: Hamara Africa Energy PvT
I’m a co-founder of Hamara Africa Energy and passionate about clean cooking solutions for rural communities in Kenya. My drive lies in delivering impactful innovations that improve lives, foster sustainability, and improve lives in rural households.
Startup Name: Orifish Aquatech Company
Wainaina Macharia, an MIE student at DeKUT, is a mechanical engineering graduate innovating in the aquaculture industry. As a co-founder of Orifish Aquatech, he develops specialized machinery, like a fish feed pelletizer, delivering scalable solutions to optimize fish value chains.
Startup Name: Orifish Aquatech Company
Innovative mechanical engineer and Master’s student in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, dedicated to advancing aquacultural technology in Africa. Focused on enhancing fish farming profitability and sustainability using locally sourced solutions to improve farmers’ livelihoods and promote better nutrition across the continent. Combines technical expertise with entrepreneurial vision to drive impactful, scalable innovations.
Startup Name: Iray Dairies Company
Irine Kahiro is a Mechanical Engineering graduate currently pursuing a Master’s in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. She is the co-founder of Iray Dairies Company, an agri-business venture transforming the dairy sector through innovative, sustainable solutions. She applies practical design and engineering skills to improve efficiency, add value, and promote sustainability in the dairy value chain.
Startup Name: Iray Dairies Company
Arnold Yawa, a mechanical engineer and agripreneur, currently an MIE student at DeKUT. He is the founder of Iray Dairies Innovation Ltd, a venture focusing on automating and improving dairy production for medium and smallholder farmers. Driven by the vision “Transforming African dairy, one farm at a time,” he blends engineering and entrepreneurship to solve real-world agricultural challenges.
Startup Name: Orifish Aquatech Company
She holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MIE). She co-leads Orifish Aquatech Company, where she drives the design of smart aquaculture systems—leveraging technology to enhance fish farming efficiency, data integration, and sustainable resource use in emerging markets.