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:

O Many Young Tanzanian Startups have expressed their willingness to join through virtual incubation, expanding its engagement with IITM Global

O 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

Highlighting the impact of Zanzibar Innovation Day, Prof. Preeti Aghalayam, Director-in-Charge, IITM Zanzibar, said, “It was amazing to see the energy that the Innovation Day generated. We had students, corporate leaders, ministry officials, academicians and entrepreneurs articulating their thoughts and plans. The event helped identify definite ways forward in developing a sustainable start-up ecosystem in the region. At IIT Madras, we are genuinely excited by the possibilities this represents.

Further, Mr. Thirumalai Madhavnarayan, Chief Executive Officer, IIT Madras Global, added, “Innovation Day in Zanzibar is a defining milestone in our journey of taking the Research & Innovation Ecosystem of IIT Madras global. When IITM global joined hands with IIT Madras Zanzibar, we didn’t just host an event — we ignited a movement of ideas, aspirations, and opportunities. It saw the coming together of key stakeholders from across Government, Industry, Investors, and the broader ecosystem with Intent, Interest and Investment. This success symbolises how India and Africa can together shape the next wave of innovation that empowers youth, transforms industries, and inspires nations.”

INNOVATIONS SHAPING AFRICA’S GROWTH STORY

The 11 startups participating in Zanzibar Innovation Day represent transformative solutions for Africa’s development priorities. From satellite-based intelligence for agriculture and climate resilience to AI-driven analytics, digital inclusion platforms, and next-gen mobility solutions — these ventures highlight the potential of India–Africa innovation partnerships to create real-world impact.

Four startups from IIT Madras and seven from Tanzania showcased their innovations, demonstrating how deep-tech collaboration can fuel sustainable development, enhance financial access, and build resilience in critical sectors.

Sharing her experience on participating in the event, Asha Juma, Founder, Asili Zanzibar, said, “Zanzibar Innovation Day 2025 was an incredible platform to showcase how early access to coding, robotics, and AI skills can empower Zanzibar’s youth. Engaging with IITM Zanzibar and IITM Global has opened new opportunities to scale our hands-on STEAM programs and digital learning platform. This collaboration strengthens our mission to nurture problem-solvers, innovators, and future leaders, ensuring that education and technology drive sustainable transformation across Zanzibar and beyond.”

Mr. Suyash Singh, CEO, GalaxEye, said, “Our experience at IITM Zanzibar during the Zanzibar Innovation Day was both energizing and deeply insightful. We saw the ecosystem come together in action. GalaxEye sees tremendous potential for East Africa and IITM Zanzibar is the best possible launch pad for our presence in the region. We are glad to collaborate with IITM Zanzibar and IITM Global for an investment of TZS 245 Million in setting up an AI & Space Lab at IITM Zanzibar, for ground breaking research & development research and development to contribute to the growth of the global south.”

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.

Expected outcomes from the Zanzibar Innovation Day include:

O Policy-Level Impact: Strengthening the India–Africa innovation agenda through government and institutional partnerships.

O Institutional Collaborations: MoUs between IITM Zanzibar, governments, corporates, and accelerators.

O Startup Growth: Increased visibility, investor engagement, and market access for African and Indian ventures.

O Capacity Building: Pathways for skill development, joint research, and innovation programs.

O Regional Development: Positioning Zanzibar as a gateway hub for sustainable innovation across Africa.

IITM Global extends IIT Madras’ vision to build a globally connected innovation ecosystem. With world-class faculty, cutting-edge infrastructure, strategic industry collaborations, and a dynamic alumni network, it drives deep-tech research and entrepreneurship worldwide.

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.