Great ideas are born from a single question: How can we make things better? Whether it’s uplifting a struggling minority group or finding a solution to a global issue, this very spark drives individuals to create the next big thing.

And this year, that “next big thing” came from our #SUnique students—brilliant minds who showcased their ingenuity and commitment to creating positive change. Rooted in the vision of St. Josemaria, we believe that it’s on us to make a difference and impact society. As part of Strathmore University’s mission, our students are embodying that mission by developing innovative solutions that tackle real-world problems and address societal challenges.

For the past three years, the #SUIdeasFestival, hosted by the Research and Innovation Department has been an exciting platform where undergraduate students from diverse faculties come together to showcase their creative ideas. The festival has not only highlighted their technical brilliance but has also promoted cross-disciplinary collaboration, fostering a culture of innovation that extends beyond individual schools.

This year’s festival was a standout moment—a week full of groundbreaking research, creativity, and learning. It was an honor to witness firsthand the incredible contributions of our #SUnique students.

And now, we are excited to present the remarkable winners of the 2024 #SUIdeasFestival:

🏆 1st Place – Zerobionic by Maxwell Opondo, Norah Kimathi, and Lexi Syoluka
This groundbreaking robotic prosthesis teaches STEM to deaf and mute students through bi-directional communication—no sign language knowledge required!

🏆 2nd Place – Low-Cost IoT Solar Powered Irrigation System by Joy Muntet and Vallary Shinaywa
This affordable solution brings sustainable farming technology to rural communities, ensuring food security and efficient water use.

🏆 3rd Place – Strathmall by Idris Kulubi, @iLabAfrica
A game-changing e-commerce platform that connects small-scale traders with a wider customer base, enhancing local economic growth.

🏆 4th Place – Solar Powered Smart Cereal Dryer by Job Onyango, Ruman Hassan, Ronit Mepani, Emanuel Lekatoo & Isaiah Ochieng (#ClassOf2023)
This solar-powered innovation helps farmers dry cereals efficiently, reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring better food quality.

🏆 5th Place – Turathi: No Culture Shock by Kuria Githinji, Joyline Wangui & Michael Murunga
An innovative platform that helps immigrants and travelers adapt to new cultures with ease, promoting intercultural understanding.

A massive round of applause to these game-changing innovators! #KeepWinning

The spirit of innovation continues to grow with the inaugural #SUResearchAwards, which celebrates our faculty’s dedication to impactful research and innovation. These awards encourage staff to develop solutions that address the challenges we face, while recognizing their vital contributions to advancing knowledge and making a difference in society.

Through these efforts, we are laying the foundation for a new generation of #Sustainability Leaders—students and staff equipped with the tools and mindset to create positive, lasting change. By fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and shared innovation, we are paving the way for a sustainable and inclusive future for all.

Together, we’re not just imagining the future, we’re creating!

Article written by: Jemmy M. Kamau