Join us online: Commonwealth entrepreneurs panel
12th September 2025
13:45 to 15:15 BST
Live from Marlborough House, London
Building entrepreneurial ecosystems: insights from Commonwealth Scholarship entrepreneurs
As part of the inaugural Commonwealth Startup Fellowship Programme's capstone week, the ACU – in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat – is proud to host a dynamic, forward-looking panel spotlighting outstanding entrepreneurs from across the Commonwealth.
This high-level discussion will explore how Commonwealth governments and institutions can foster thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems through higher education, innovation, and international collaboration.
Online participants are invited to tune in for the central panel session and live Q&A (1:45–3:15 PM BST).
Hear from ground-breaking Commonwealth entrepreneurs:
These inspiring alumni of the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship, a new accelerator programme co-delivered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and Imperial College London, will share how they are using research, innovation and enterprise to tackle real-world challenges in agriculture, climate, and energy.
- Maryanne Gichanga, Agritech Analytics, Kenya – AI-powered soil diagnostics and pest detection
- Akshay Kawale, Agrowsure Products, India – Affordable, sustainable farm machinery
- Martin Masiya, Sollys Energy, Malawi – Pay-as-you-go solar energy access
- Ife Olatayo, FarmSlate Technologies, Nigeria – AI-driven access to regenerative agriculture financing
With opening remarks from:
- Professor Colin Riordan, Secretary General, ACU
- Dr Arjoon Suddhoo, Deputy Secretary General, Commonwealth Secretariat
- Professor Kevin Ibeh, Commonwealth Scholarship Commissioner and Professor of Marketing and International Business, Birkbeck Business School
The session will include live reflections from Commonwealth High Commissioners followed by an open Q&A moderated by Professor Riordan.
Why join online?
- Gain insights into how universities can fuel entrepreneurship and inclusive development
- Hear directly from innovators creating grassroots impact across the Commonwealth
- Explore how public policy, education, and international networks can accelerate innovation
Register now to watch online
We look forward to welcoming ACU members and partners from across the Commonwealth to this rich and engaging discussion.
|
Time |
Session |
Detail |
|---|---|---|
|
1:00 – 1:45 PM |
Registration and refreshments |
Guests arrive: tea, coffee, and light refreshments served |
|
1:45 – 1:50 PM |
Welcome |
Professor Colin Riordan, Secretary General, Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) |
|
1:50 – 1:55 PM |
Opening remarks |
Deputy Secretary General, Commonwealth Secretariat |
|
1:55 – 2:00 PM |
Introduction to the CSC Entrepreneurial Programme |
Professor Kevin Ibeh, Commonwealth Scholarship Commissioner and Professor of Marketing and International Business, Birkbeck Business School |
|
2:00 – 2:20 PM |
Entrepreneur spotlight |
Four entrepreneurs (5 mins each) share their journeys as CSC alumni innovators:
|
|
2:20 – 2:40 PM |
Responses from High Commissioners |
Reflections on supporting entrepreneurship |
|
2:40 – 3:10 PM |
Audience Q&A and dialogue |
Moderated by Professor Colin Riordan. Open discussion with entrepreneurs, High Commissioners, and guests. |
|
3:15 – 4:00 PM |
Networking reception |
Drinks and canapés served. An opportunity for informal conversations and exploring potential collaborations with entrepreneurs and stakeholders. |
Speakers
Professor Colin Riordan CBE
ACU Secretary General and Chief Executive
Dr Arjoon Suddhoo
Deputy Secretary General, Commonwealth Secretariat
Professor Kevin Ibeh
Commonwealth Scholarship Commissioner and Professor of Marketing and International Business, Birkbeck Business School
