Dutch technology firm Royal Philips has announced the establishment of its first Africa research laboratory in Nairobi, highlighting Kenya’s growing status as the continent’s tech hub.
The facility will be tasked with developing and deploying application-focused scientific and user studies that will aid in improving access to lighting, affordable healthcare, as well as creating new inventions to meet needs of Africa's growing middle class.
The Philips Africa Innovation Hub will be located at the Philips East African headquarters in Nairobi, and will kick-off with ventures that are under development as well as those in pilot phase.
The Amsterdam-based firm says international researchers together with African talent will operate on the concept of “open innovation” and will work in close collaboration with the R&D ecosystem of Kenya and Africa.
Philips is in discussions with local organisations and universities on R&D collaborations to co-create meaningful solutions for Africa.
“With Kenya as a leader in the continent in science and entrepreneurship as well as a hub of collaboration on technology and innovation, Nairobi, is the ideal location to establish Philips’ African research presence. We want to tap into the city’s vibrant R&D ecosystem and contribute to the process of co-creating new solutions, new business models and meaningful partnerships to provide innovations that make an impact,” saidJJ van Dongen, Senior Vice President and CEO Philips Africa.
The setting up of the research centre comes after US tech giant IBM opened an innovation hub in Nairobi to match IT innovators with investors who will help develop the ideas commercially.
