Our History

Origins and Launch

The Catholic University of Rwanda (CUR) aims to become Rwanda's first Entrepreneurial University and a catalyst for the accelerated economic growth of the nation by producing job creators and inspiring community transformation through entrepreneurship and innovation. Therefore, entrepreneurship is a major part of the university strategy.

In this regard, the university established the Center for Entrepreneurial Learning and Innovation (CELI), which officially launched in March 2025 through strategic alliances and program resources with Global Skills Factory (Finland), Regent University's Business Development Center, and Wadhwani Foundation, integrating global best practices into local innovation ecosystems.

Strategic Objectives

CELI is designed to support the development of entrepreneurial skills and innovation among CUR students. CELI coordinates entrepreneurial activities university-wide and in surrounding communities, with clear mandates:

• • Providing structured training programs in entrepreneurship, reinforcing the knowledge acquired in academic courses.
• • Offering a platform for students to develop, refine, and implement business ideas while still enrolled at CUR.
• • Incubating innovative projects by providing mentorship, resources, and funding opportunities.
• • Supporting students in creating businesses with socio-economic impact, thereby fostering job creation and self-employment.
• • Enhancing entrepreneurial thinking among students to improve their employability and competitiveness in the labor market.
• • Facilitating research grants for students and faculty to explore innovative solutions in entrepreneurship and business development.
• • Establishing collaborative research projects with other local/international academic and industry partners to foster innovation and technological advancements.