Mapping Innovation Maturity of University-Promoted IT Startups: Case of Zanzibar

The establishment of information technology (IT) start-ups within academic settings is receiving increased attention due to its potential to enhance the relevance of university curricula and to tackle youth unemployment. These start-ups, often nurtured by university programs, play a critical role in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation among students and graduates. This study examines the innovation maturity of IT start-ups in Zanzibar that are supported by universities, utilizing the Technology Innovation Model (TIM) as a framework for assessment. A quantitative survey was conducted with 52 students and graduates out of 120 individuals actively engaged in university-supported IT start-ups. The findings indicate that the majority of these start-ups remain in the early stages of innovation, with a significant portion (71.4%) struggling with market adaptability and over 65 per cent relying solely on personal funding, which poses a challenge to their financial sustainability. Although innovation is highly valued within these start-ups, only 61.2 per cent engage in actual innovation activities, signalling a gap between the recognition of innovation's importance and its implementation. University support emerged as a vital factor for success, with 50 per cent of the start-ups acknowledging its importance. However, the study also highlights challenges such as weak industry collaboration and regulatory barriers that impede the growth and scalability of these start-ups. Based on these findings, the study advocates for the strengthening of mentorship programs, diversification of funding sources, and the improvement of regulatory frameworks and policies to create a more conducive environment for the growth of IT start-ups in Zanzibar. These interventions could support the development of a more robust startup ecosystem, contributing to economic growth and youth employment