IIT Madras Zanzibar partnered with IITM Global to host ‘Zanzibar Innovation Day’ — a pioneering platform that united Africa’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit with India’s deep-tech prowess and research excellence.

The initiative, held at Zanzibar Campus on 4th October 2025, marks a major milestone in strengthening India–Africa innovation linkages, empowering startups to co-create scalable and sustainable solutions for regional and global challenges.

The Innovation Day led to several promising immediate outcomes from participating startups, including:

• Many Young Tanzanian Startups have expressed their willingness to join through virtual incubation, expanding its engagement with IITM Global
• GalaxEye, an IIT Madras incubated space tech Start-up, announced a USD 100,000 investment over five years to establish a Satellite and AI Research Lab at IITM Zanzibar

IIT Madras Zanzibar connected IIT Madras’ innovation ecosystem with Africa’s fast-growing markets. The campus is rapidly emerging as a hub for deep-tech innovation in the region — driving new ventures in clean energy, digital transformation, and inclusive technologies.

The Zanzibar Innovation Day showcased 11 dynamic startups across sectors, including space technology, artificial intelligence, clean water access, inclusive mobility, digital finance, and STEM education.

The Chief Guest of this historic event, Mr. Khamis Abdulla Said, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, Zanzibar, also inaugurated the IITM Global Center, which will drive innovation and impact for Zanzibar and beyond.

Mr. Khamis Abdulla Said also interacted with participants and addressed the Zanzibar Innovation Day, highlighting the significance of fostering innovation and global collaboration in education.

The day-long event featured high-impact keynote sessions, expert panel discussions, and startup showcases designed to foster cross-continental partnerships. A dedicated Startup Pitch Arena gave investors and venture funds an exclusive opportunity to engage with high-potential ventures from India and Africa.

The event also marked the signing of six significant MoUs between:

1. Tousome – IITM Zanzibar
2. Asilizanzibar – IITM Zanzibar
3. Touchwood – IITM Zanzibar
4. GalaxEye – IITM Global
5. Yali Mobility – IITM Global
6. Smart Lab – IITM Global

Through IITM Global and IIT Madras Zanzibar, the Institute is reimagining global engagement — blending education, entrepreneurship, and technology to create shared value. IIT Madras provides mentorship, funding access, and cross-border industry linkages to nurture startups and innovators in Africa and beyond.

IIT Madras Zanzibar, the first-ever offshore campus of an Indian Institute of Technology, pioneers interdisciplinary education and innovation-led learning in Africa. It connects India’s technological excellence with Africa’s emerging innovation landscape to co-create scalable, sustainable solutions that drive growth and inclusivity.

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