A PhD student whose research developed into an initiative empowering female tech founders across Africa has graduated from the University of Bristol.
Working in tech in Nigeria, Jennifer Daniel observed how female-led start-ups were not growing as fast or as prominently as male-led equivalents in the tech space. This prompted five years of study at the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Bristol, United Kingdom, to determine the causes of this trend and what might be done to overcome any relevant barriers.
Jennifer said: “I thought that if women had access to a laptop, the internet, and an idea, then that counted as equal access. My research revealed that what is also needed is a good business idea, connections and networking opportunities, access to the market, and social proof that success in the field is possible.”
Jennifer has taken her research beyond the University to deliver real‑world impact.
Having been awarded funding during her studies, Jennifer founded SASIE (Sought After School of Innovation & Entrepreneurship), a not-for-profit that aims to support women with the knowledge, resources and training they need to achieve their ambitions.
Working in partnership with agencies, government bodies and innovation hubs, SASIE supports founders from the earliest stages of an idea or concept through to creating ventures with real‑world impact.
One of the tech founders that the programme has supported is, Mary Katambi, a survivor of the 2014 Chibok school abduction who took part in SASIE’s ‘Idea to Venture’ Programme.
The first Idea to Venture cohort, including Mary, was taught by faculty staff from the University of Bristol’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the School of Management, who delivered some of the programme’s educational training.
Having completed the programme, Mary was able to quit their full-time job and is now employing a team of three as part of their start-up, Kaiki, an online resale marketplace.
Jennifer highlights that one of the most important takeaways that can come from the provision of expertise, support and practical guidance is confidence.
“One of the findings from my research is that there is a mental shift in women who achieve great success in this field,” Jennifer said. “They see stumbling blocks as an opportunity to express resilience.
“This abduction survivor, for example, was in captivity and experienced great trauma and tragedy, and here she is out in the world trying to overcome that by creating something.
“Imagine if all women in West Africa had the confidence to produce.”
Jennifer, who grew up in Nigeria, has become the first black woman to graduate with a PhD from the University’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Mark Neild, Associate Professor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, said: “SASIE is a strong example of entrepreneurship driven by purpose and positive impact. Jennifer has developed an initiative that supports women in building sustainable ventures with long‑term value, and its outcomes strengthen with each iteration of its work. She epitomises the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship’s mission to empower the next generation of change makers.”
In the future, Jennifer aims to deepen partnerships with governments and large institutions across Africa to support tech entrepreneurs shaping the continent’s next wave of technological innovation and research.
She also hopes that by sharing her story, she can highlight the value of African‑led research and encourage greater translation of knowledge into real‑world impact.
Jennifer said: “There’s so much research from African institutions that haven’t been commercialised, and knowledge that hasn’t been transferred. I think it’s important for people to see research about Africa, by an African, which is showing results, regardless of the academic area.”
