Current students and recent graduates of Makerere University with innovative ideas or research outputs are invited to apply for the Graduate Innovation Program (GIP) 2.0 — a three-month structured programme by the Makerere Innovation and Incubation Center (MIIC) designed to support participants in transforming ideas, research outputs, and final-year projects into validated prototypes with clear evidence of problem-solution fit.
Only 40 spots are available for this cohort. Female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.
About the Programme
The Graduate Innovation Program bridges the gap between academic research and early-stage solutions ready for further development. Through structured training, business coaching, mentorship, access to facilities, and light catalytic support, participants refine their ideas, validate identified problems and proposed solutions, and develop testable prototypes grounded in real user needs.
The programme is designed specifically for idea-stage founders — applicants must not have an existing prototype at the time of application.
Who Can Apply:
- Current Makerere University students or recent graduates within two years of graduation
- Aged 18 to 35 — first-time founders from Makerere University
- Those with a clearly identified problem or opportunity responding to a real user need
- Applicants willing to conduct customer discovery and iterate solutions based on user feedback
- Committed to full participation throughout the three-month programme
- Must be at idea stage — no existing prototype at time of application
What Participants Receive:
- Opportunity to develop, refine, and validate a prototype
- Structured training in entrepreneurship and innovation fundamentals
- Tailored mentorship and expert business development support
- Access to MIIC facilities and resources
- Access to funding and investment opportunities
Programme Details:
- Duration: 3 months
- Cohort: 2nd cohort
- Available spots: 40