Title: Incubating Innovation: The Impact of University Startup Incubators on Student Ventures in Iringa Municipal.
Authors: Yohana Tweve
Volume: 9
Issue: 8
Pages: 87-96
Publication Date: 2025/08/28
Abstract:
This study examined the impact of university startup incubators on student ventures in Iringa Municipal, Tanzania. The purpose was to assess how incubator programs influenced the growth, sustainability, and innovation capacity of student-led businesses in a semi-urban context. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed, involving 112 student entrepreneurs drawn from local universities using purposive and stratified sampling techniques. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, and document reviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS, while qualitative responses were subjected to thematic analysis. The findings revealed that university incubators played a significant role in providing essential resources such as office space (80.4%), internet access (75.9%), and business development training (67.9%). However, only 42.9% accessed seed funding, and personalized mentorship was limited to 38.4%. Despite these constraints, 69.6% of student ventures remained operational, with over half generating revenue. Key challenges included lack of capital (75%), limited market access (55.4%), and bureaucratic hurdles in business registration (44.6%). The study was limited to two institutions in Iringa, which may not fully represent the national landscape. However, it provides practical implications for universities and policymakers to strengthen incubation support through improved funding access, targeted mentorship, and streamlined registration processes. Socially, the study highlights the potential of university incubators to reduce youth unemployment and drive local innovation. The originality of this research lies in its focus on a semi-urban Tanzanian setting, offering context-specific insights into student entrepreneurship that are underrepresented in existing literature.