GDI Hub at the 4th Global Data Science and AI Summit, Spotlighting AI and Inclusion

We were excited to be at Strathmore University for the 4th Global Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Summit held on November 13–14, 2025. The two-day event brought together leading experts, innovators, and academics to explore emerging trends in data science and artificial intelligence, with a strong emphasis on inclusive technology.

We joined a panel discussion by the Centre for Digital and Language Inclusion (CDLI team), which examined the intersection of AI and social impact. The conversation highlighted how AI can be leveraged to create equitable solutions and drive accessibility across technology ecosystems. 

Alongside this, the summit featured the AI & Inclusion Challenge 2025, an initiative under the Innovate Now Accelerator supported by the NORAD grant. This challenge provided a dynamic platform for assistive technology startups to identify emerging talent and foster innovation.

The challenge introduced four live problem statements sourced from esatblished AT ventures. Multidisciplinary teams of STEM, design, and business students participated, receiving mentorship from Strathmore University faculty, industry experts, and AT founders.  Crucially, the groups were joined by persons with lived experience of disability – who were able to share their insights with the young innovators, and help them to refine their AT concepts.  Top-performing participants will secure structured placements with participating startups for six months, funded by the Innovate Now Fellowship.

Innovate Now, is Africa’s first Assistive Technology accelerator, which was launched in 2019 by the Global Disability Innovation Hub under the UK International Development–funded AT2030 programme. Delivered in partnership with Kilimanjaro Blind Trust Africa and the Assistive Technologies for Disability Trust, and supported by the Norwegian Government, Innovate Now has nurtured pioneering ventures and strengthened Africa’s inclusive technology ecosystem. 

Despite this progress, early-stage AT startups often struggle to access skilled and motivated talent. The fellowship addresses this gap by embedding students within startups to fill immediate capacity needs, positioning disability innovation as a purpose-driven career path, and fostering collaboration at the intersection of AI, data science, and assistive technology.

The hackathon and fellowship were delivered through a robust partnership structure that included GDI Hub as the strategic lead, Senses Hub as the implementation partner, Strathmore University as the academic host, and AT4D and KBTA as ecosystem connectors.