PARTNER PROGRAMS
Closed Programs
Leadership in Chemistry through Innovation and Entrepreneurship
in collaboration with
Led by Dr. Sandile Mtetwa - Head of Innovation & Applied Research (Rondil Scholars Hub)
Program Overview
The Leadership in Chemistry through Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program is a targeted training and professional development initiative designed to equip African chemists with the skills, networks, and support needed to translate scientific research into real-world impact. Delivered over six weeks, the program blends entrepreneurship training, leadership development, and innovation-focused learning to build a new generation of scientist-entrepreneurs across the continent. The program is structured around six themed weekly masterclasses, each designed to build progressively from foundational knowledge to advanced application.
Program Objectives
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Masterclasses (Business and Entrepreneurial Skills, Innovation and Commercialization, Networking and Communication, Science Policy)
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Resource and venture support (Funding resources, support and grant writing)
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Peer Network and Collaboration
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Mentorship
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Leadership Development
The first cohort competitively selected 20 fellows with representation from 12 African countries and 15 distinct geographies.
20
Competitively selected fellows
12
Countries represented
10
Expert masterclass facilitators
3
Ventures supported
Fellows with promising ventures took part in a dragon’s den style pitch session. The three finalists are receiving personalized venture support, a fully funded trip to the RSC-PACN conference in November 2026 and showcase opportunities at the event.
Fellow Spotlight
Program Facilitators
Prof Youssef Habibi
Director, UMP6 Sustainable Materials Research Center
Dr David Izuogu
CEO, MyHealth Integral
Dr Tozama Qwebani
Science Policy and International Partnerships Specialist
Ejikeme Nwosu
Founder & CEO, Lumos Laboratories
Uche Ogechukwu
Co-Founder & Chief Business Officer, Greenage Technologies
Dr Thabile Ndlovu
Chemicals Policy Expert
Prof Gift Mehlana
Executive Director, Midlands State University Research and Innovation
Dr Ghina Halabi
Lecturer and Education Manager, Cambridge Judge Business School
Dr Tafadzwa Motsi
Co-Founder & COO, Nanoplume
Dr Emmie Chiyindiko
Founder, Falling Walls Zimbabwe
What our program fellows say
Madina Mohamed Adia, Makerere University
The course was super insightful, and I loved how it broke down complex concepts into bite-sized, easy-to-understand chunks. The instructors were on point, sharing real-life examples and practical tips that I can apply straight away. Highly recommend for anyone looking to level up their skills in science communication and entrepreneurship!
Mokgadi Hlongwane, Tshwane University of Technology
The six masterclasses were both informative and enlightening, with facilitators carefully selected for their proven success and practical experience. Their stories were particularly encouraging, as many participants, including myself, are developing ideas we hope to take forward.
Emmanuel C. Ohaekenyem, Nnamdi Azikiwe University
This Leadership in Chemistry through Innovation and Entrepreneurship program was a transformative initiative that redefined how chemistry is taught and applied beyond the classroom.It is a forward-thinking approach that prepares us not only as scientists but also as impactful innovators and leaders.
Simeon Ambuga, Namibia University of Science and Technology
Coming into this masterclass, I did not have the knowledge on specific aspects that were covered in this course. Before, I had the ideas and results, but I did not know how to put them across and what information was necessary.All in all it was a very insightful journey, a lot of leadership skills learned and would be very useful in my day to day.
Bakani Patrick Junior Dhliwayo, Stellenbosch University
Wonderful program for those who are not just interested in producing academic theses but also understanding how to turn those theses into value added products through the various commercialisation pathways that are taught.
Dinga Wonanke, Nottingham Trent University
I highly recommend this masterclass to all chemists, whether you wish to commercialise your research or not. It will help you to start seeing value in your research and will make you better at selling your research whether in publications, grant writing or commercialisations. In fact you will be well rounded in orally communicating your research to a diverse range of people as well as learn some important concepts, which you won't get from any grad school
This work is supported financially through the Royal Society of Chemistry Inclusion and Diversity Fund. This fund receives support from the Royal Society of Chemistry's Chemists' Community Fund (CCF), which provides ring-fenced additional funding to support initiatives that closely align with the CCF's guiding principles. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the RSC.