The Innovation Hub was borne out of the Africa Catalyst Project phase 2, part 5 which was targeted at promoting innovation in research to deliver commercial outcomes, working with the Universities and companies to identify and provide training and support in developing suitable projects from research concepts to marketable products.

Through collaboration between Sierra Leone Institution of Engineers, Engineers for Change SL (UK), and the University of Sierra Leone, the Innovation Hub was created and launched in October 2021.  Young Sierra Leonean innovators, including students of the University of Sierra Leone have expressed high interest in participating in the activities of the hub. As a result, the hub is currently in the process of inviting diverse innovators with technology-based solutions to showcase their innovative products. This will not only establish exciting collaborations with imaginative people but provide an opportunity to further develop their ideas for the markets. The hub is also exploring specific research issues and pilot projects with companies, start-ups, and individuals.

The Hub's primary aim is to strengthen innovation, sustainability and inclusiveness of Sierra Leone's Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) and business start-ups by enhancing:

• Innovation in research: Promoting the translation of research into new ideas, products, and services that can benefit Sierra Leone and the sub-region.
• Innovation in education: Stimulating creativity in thinking and action in support of development opportunities as well as addressing local challenges while searching for new solutions.

The Innovation Hub will apply the following instruments to achieve its objectives:

• Incubator services to technological start-ups - networking space, labs/test sites, seed money for innovative initiatives.
• Advisory services in key business areas - technology/ICT applications, energy/cost saving as well as quality enhancing technology/management practices/sales.
• Technical training and coaching - in key business and technological areas

The hub is operated as a shared working environment where people meet, work, network, share ideas, and collaborate to support and accelerate innovative thinking and actions. There have been a number of activities carried out at the Hub.