AAU Holds Motivational Workshop for Innovators
Addis Ababa University (AAU) Office for the Vice President of Research and Technology Transfer in collaboration with College of Business and Economics of the University and Social Enterprise Ethiopia, organized a workshop to motivate innovators at Eshetu Chole Hall on March 1, 2022.
There was a public lecture on the workshop on the theme of “Benefit Corporation for Africa: Leveraging the Power of Business for Socio-economic Growth” by Mr. Tibebu Aseffa, a business innovator and entrepreneur in various sectors.
Mr. Tibebu Assefa advised the participants that everyone has the potential to change the society and the country as well by exploring his/her environment and creating own business rather than expecting every job opportunity from the government. “You should be entrepreneurs; your entrepreneur power can change the society,” he added.
Mitike Molla (PhD) Vice President (VP) for Research and Technology Transfer of AAU stated that her Office encourages and gives support for researches and innovations who want to conduct research and innovative activities.
“In our Community Engagement, we have had our students’ end point to give benefits to the community in terms of innovation and intellectual contributions as well,” she said.
According to Dr. Mitike, AAU has already started business innovation center at the Five Kill campus, led by her Office and persuades students to be part of this business incubation center; best ideas will be selected, incubated and funded as well.
“Previously, we had about six faculties for developing innovative ideas, but much of their innovation, such as the energy sector and others was not directly linked to the need of rural people,” Dr. Mitike said.
The VP finally said big ideas of innovation have to be pulled and changed into business like Mr. Tibebu Aseffa has done so far including his inspiring of young people. “There are several ways of doing things; there is no only one way of doing things,” she added.
Source: Addis Ababa University