Center for Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation (CESI)
The Centre for Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation (CESI) is a vibrant ecosystem dedicated to nurturing entrepreneurs, change-makers, and mission-driven enterprises that drive inclusive and sustainable transformation.
We believe that innovative solutions rooted in ethics, collaboration, social value creation and community engagement can reshape the future of development. At CESI, we bring together research, mentorship, design thinking, capacity-building, and policy advocacy to empower individuals and collectives working across diverse sectors—from climate action and public policy to food systems, education, and digital technologies.
Our strength lies in the diversity of our incubatees—visionaries who are pioneering change in areas like ethical trade, biotechnology, sustainable tourism, inclusive finance, and civic innovation. With a deep commitment to social justice, environmental sustainability, and grassroots empowerment, CESI serves as both a launchpad and a long-term ally for ideas that matter.
By connecting innovation with impact, and enterprise with equity, CESI is building a future where every solution is a step toward a more just, resilient, and thriving society.
MISSION
“The Centre for Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation (CESI) is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs, change-makers, and enterprises that drive social and economic impact. Through research, mentorship, capacity-building, and policy advocacy, we nurture innovative solutions that promote sustainable development, ethical business practices, and inclusive economic opportunities. Our mission is to create a thriving ecosystem where creativity, collaboration, and community engagement shape a better future for all.”
🚀 What We Offer
🧪 Incubation Lab
CESI’s Incubation Lab supports mission-driven startups and social ventures through:
Research-driven innovation support
Expert mentoring and guidance
Strategic partnerships with academia, civil society, and industry
Seed funding access and investor readiness support
🧑💼 Co-working Spaces
Our collaborative workspaces are designed for individuals and teams working to make a social or environmental difference.
Affordable, inclusive spaces with essential amenities
Opportunities for networking and peer learning
Integrated with CESI events, workshops, and startup services
🎓 Trainings and Events
📢 Conferences
Convene key voices through conferences on social innovation, sustainability, and inclusive enterprise.
Dialogues with policymakers, researchers, and entrepreneurs
Showcase of emerging models and policy perspectives
Platform for global-local collaboration
🌍 Trade Fairs
CESI organizes trade fairs to promote community-driven and ethical enterprises.
Market visibility for ethical products
Buyer-meets-seller networking sessions
Celebration of indigenous innovation
🧭 Trainings and Mentorship
Our capacity-building programs strengthen skills for grassroots entrepreneurs and social innovators.
Strategic planning, operations, and leadership skills
Business ethics and impact measurement
Personalized mentorship and peer learning
🛠️ Skill Development
We focus on inclusive economic opportunities through community-centered skill development.
Vocational training and employability programs
Digital and entrepreneurial literacy
Programs tailored for women, youth, and marginalized groups
Our Incubatees
CESI supports a thriving network of entrepreneurs and enterprises working on solutions that prioritize impact, sustainability, and inclusion. Each incubatee is supported through our ecosystem of research, mentorship, funding access, and policy engagement.
Explore by Sector:
Thematic Focus
Description
📘 Public Policy and Governance
Civic innovation, participatory governance
🌿 Sustainable Tourism and Wellness
Eco-tourism, wellness cooperatives
🥗 Food and Nutrition
Indigenous diets, food security, local food systems
🎥 Media and Entertainment
Digital storytelling, community journalism
👗 Textiles and Fashion
Ethical fashion, artisan-led cooperatives
🌍 Trade and Development
Ethical trade, local-to-global product value chains
🐟 Marine and Inland Fisheries
Innovations for blue economy, small-scale fisheries
🚰 Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
Low-cost hygiene innovations, decentralized water access
🧬 Biotechnology
Bio-agriculture, health tech, climate resilience
🌾 Agriculture
Agroecological farming, sustainable inputs
💰 Finance
Community financing models, financial inclusion
🌱 Climate and Environment
Adaptation strategies, nature-based solutions
🎓 Education
EdTech for marginalized learners, non-formal education
🤖 Technology and AI
Assistive tech, social robotics, digital governance tools
