Together we build: CMU-Africa celebrates Global Entrepreneurship Week

Carnegie Mellon University Africa will mark Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) on November 17-23 by hosting a week of events to celebrate innovation at CMU-Africa. This year's theme is "Together We Build" and shines a spotlight on the collective power of community, collaboration, and shared ambition. It invites anyone to explore what’s possible when they join mentors, peers, partners, and supporters to bring ideas to life and build something bigger than themselves. As part of this week's celebration, the Industry Innovation Lab (IIL) shares its updated name with the CMU-Africa community: the Innovation Hub at CMU-Africa.

CMU-Africa will be welcoming 60 participants from Kepler College, the African Institute of Mathematical Sciences, the African Leadership University, and the University of Rwanda. Some of their students will also be sharing stories of their innovations.

The Global Entrepreneurship Week movement, organized by the Global Entrepreneurship Network, celebrates and empowers entrepreneurs in every country and community around the world — especially those who face structural barriers or who may never have considered the opportunities and possibilities of entrepreneurship.

Each November, 10 million people participate in activities, competitions, and events that inspire them to act and provide them with the knowledge, experience, and connections they need to succeed.

CMU-Africa events

November 17 (open to the CMU-Africa community)

CMU-Africa main building

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Booth showcase
Innovation Hub programs presentation

Entrepreneurship Club
Highlight ongoing and current activities

November 18 (open to the CMU-Africa community)

CMU-Africa main building

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Booth showcase
Innovation Hub programs presentation

Entrepreneurship Club
Highlight ongoing and current activities

November 19 (For registered attendees)

CMU-Africa Innovation Hub (PEZ Building)

12:00 - 12:15 p.m. Opening session
Why Global Entrepreneurship Week matters

12:15 - 1:00 p.m. Masterclass
Building startups and products that scale

1:00 - 1:15 p.m. RDB info session
Startup registration in Rwanda

1:15 - 1:35 p.m. Founder stories
Founders from Carnegie Mellon University and other universities share their stories

1:35 - 1:45 p.m. Group photo

1:45 - 2:30 p.m. Networking lunch
Interact with peers and speakers

November 20 (For registered attendees)

CMU-Africa Innovation Hub (PEZ Building)

12:00 - 12:40 p.m. Masterclass
Investment and venture capital session

12:40 - 1:00 p.m. Founder stories

1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Networking lunch
Interact with peers and speakers

November 21 (For registered attendees)

CMU-Africa Innovation Hub (PEZ Building)

2:00 - 2:10 p.m. Opening

2:10 - 2:40 p.m. Keynote speech
Insights and opportunities in micro-chip design industry

2:40 - 3:00 p.m. Info session
Intellectual property

3:00 - 3:55 p.m. Panel discussion
From classroom innovation to industry problem solving

3:55 - 4:00 p.m. Closing remarks
Reflect on this year's theme, "Build Together"

4:00 - 4:45 p.m. Exhibition, demos, and networking