Every year, Kumi University proudly hosts the Startup Training for African Revival (STAR)—a transformative initiative focused on empowering African students with innovation, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship skills. The 2025 edition, held from June 30 to July 4, was nothing short of inspiring.

📅 Dates: June 30 – July 4, 2025

📍 Venue: Science and Technology Block, 2nd Floor, Kumi University
🤝 Organized by: UNESCO UNITWIN, Handong Global University (Republic of Korea), and Kumi University
🎯 Supported by: The Ministry of Education, Republic of Korea

Day 1: Launch of the STAR Program

The STAR Training kicked off with high spirits and international collaboration. Students, facilitators, and guests gathered for the opening ceremony that laid out the mission: to nurture creative entrepreneurs who will drive Africa’s future.
With the full support of our Korean partners, students stepped into a space filled with possibility, mentorship, and purpose.

💡 Day 2: Fusing Tech & Science

📅 Tuesday, July 1, 2025

IT Students focused on:

Coding foundations

Designing user interfaces with AI tools

Exploring smart research with Google NotebookLM

Developing early-stage storyboards for apps

Agriculture Students learned:

DNA testing techniques

Bacteria analysis for plant and soil diagnostics

Connecting biology to real-world farming innovation

The day was a blend of theory, experimentation, and creative thinking.

🎨 Day 3: Design & DNA Deep Dive

📅 Wednesday, July 2, 2025

The program delved deeper into applied technology and biotechnology.

IT Students:

Mastered UI/UX design using Figma

Built collaborative prototypes

Learned how to turn static screens into working mobile/web app experiences

Agriculture Students:

Conducted Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for DNA testing

Explored crop genetics and precision farming

🌟 Day 4: Preparing for Real-World Impact

📅 Thursday, July 3, 2025

As STAR Training approached its finale, Day 4 was rich with innovation and refinement.

Agriculture Students:

Explored Alginic Acid Hydrogel, a cutting-edge material used in crop treatment, wound healing, and drug delivery

Gained insight into the real-world biotech applications that can transform African agriculture

IT Students:

Conducted real user interviews to validate and refine their prototypes

Identified and fixed design flaws, improved user experience, and enhanced logic flow for better product delivery

The momentum built throughout the week peaked as teams prepared to showcase their innovations on the final day.

🏆 Day 5: Grand Finale & Award Ceremony

📅 Friday, July 4, 2025

The 2025 STAR Training closed in style with project exhibitions, team presentations, and a prize-giving ceremony.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Jong-In Hong emphasized in his closing remarks:

“This STAR program is not the end but a beginning. You now have the tools, ideas, and confidence. Last year, STAR participants brought home top honors at the NCHE Exhibition. Go forward and make us proud again.”

Rev. Samuel Koo, DVC Finance & Administration, joined the Vice Chancellor to award certificates and prizes to the top teams.

🥇 Winning Projects – STAR Training Challenge 2025

1️⃣ 1st Place – HydroGrow (Biotech Group 2)
A powerful plant growth booster to enhance agricultural productivity.

2️⃣ 2nd Place – EcoGuard (Biotech Group 3)
An innovative natural pesticide promoting eco-friendly crop protection.

3️⃣ 3rd Place – AgroScan (Design Sprint Group 3)
An AI-powered app for early detection and management of crop diseases.

🎓 More Than a Training – A Movement for Change

Students are leaving STAR not only with certificates, but with skills, solutions, and the vision to become change-makers in tech and agriculture. From coding and UI design to biotech and smart farming, the STAR Program once again lit the spark of purpose and potential.

Kumi University thanks all the organizers, trainers, and students who made this program a tremendous success.