For universities
Give Scientific Discovery a Path Forward.
Universities are essential to developing scientific talent, advancing research, and translating promising discoveries into practical applications. Through the Africa America Beauty Alliance (AABA) and the Integrated Translational Science Commercialization Ecosystem (ITSCE), universities can explore opportunities to support emerging scientists, identify promising research, and build pathways connecting scientific knowledge with industry and society. Our goal is to strengthen the connection between education, research, and responsible innovation while respecting each institution’s expertise, policies, and research priorities.
Ways to engage
Four pathways for your institution
Science Tuition Support
The ITSCE Fund’s Science Tuition Support Program provides an opportunity for eligible science students to apply for tuition assistance, subject to program requirements, review, award terms, and available funding.
Support is limited to eligible tuition expenses. It does not automatically cover laboratory expenses, research materials, equipment, travel, living costs, or prototype development. Where an award is approved, payment is made directly to the eligible institution in accordance with the award terms.
Review Tuition Support RequirementsResearch Collaboration
Universities can explore opportunities to work with AABA and the ITSCE Fund on scientific research aligned with relevant research priorities, including skin biology, indigenous ingredient discovery and validation, product development, consumer research, and commercialization.
The scope of any research collaboration—including responsibilities, resources, data access, intellectual property, and deliverables—is defined in a separate agreement for the specific project.
Discuss Research CollaborationStudent & Scientific Development
Universities can explore opportunities that support student development, scientific communication, interdisciplinary collaboration, and exposure to the broader research-to-application process.
Specific activities depend on the program, eligibility requirements, institutional arrangements, and available resources.
Explore Student OpportunitiesResearch Translation & Commercialization
Promising research may have potential applications beyond the academic setting. The ITSCE Fund provides a framework for exploring what additional validation, development, partnerships, or commercialization planning may be appropriate for a particular innovation.
Commercialization is not a guaranteed outcome. Research readiness, evidence, intellectual property, regulatory considerations, resources, and market needs all affect the path forward.
Explore the ITSCE Fund FrameworkA collaborative approach
We welcome conversations with universities interested in:
- Supporting eligible students through tuition assistance.
- Exploring research collaborations and scientific priorities.
- Identifying promising innovations for further evaluation.
- Building connections with technical, manufacturing, industry, and commercialization partners.
- Establishing clear agreements for research, data, intellectual property, and project responsibilities.
Backed by an ecosystem of partners
- AABA — Africa America Beauty Alliance
- University of Lagos
- University of Nairobi
- KNUST
- University of Rwanda
- University of Cape Town
- UCAD, Dakar
Get started
Start a University Partnership Conversation
Tell us about your institution, its research strengths, and the opportunities you would like to explore. We will use that information to identify potential alignment with the ITSCE Fund initiatives and discuss an appropriate next step.
Tuition assistance and research collaboration are separate activities governed by their respective eligibility requirements, program terms, and written agreements. An inquiry does not guarantee funding, partnership approval, or commercialization.