This book focuses on the innovative startup ecosystem within universities which combines research and practice from emerging and transitioning economies, offering a comprehensive look at how universities, governments, and communities co-create robust entrepreneurial ecosystems. With a special focus on Southeast Asia and Africa, the book explores how academic institutions can become launchpads for entrepreneurial ventures, especially in contexts where resources are limited but innovation is thriving. Spanning diverse themes such as regulatory challenges, incubation models, funding gaps, technology transfer, and regional development, this book includes empirical case studies and critical reflections that unpack the enabling and inhibiting factors shaping university-driven entrepreneurship. From Jakarta’s slum-based MSME incubation models to encrypted funding platforms in the digital age and from policy governance in South Africa to market access frameworks in Cambodia, each chapter offers grounded insights with global relevance.

What distinguishes this work is its interdisciplinary and practice-oriented approach, combining policy analysis, grassroots documentation, institutional theory, and field-based strategies. It presents an accessible yet scholarly lens through which stakeholders such as academics, policymakers, ecosystem builders, and startup founders can explore how innovation ecosystems can be cultivated even in low-resource settings. The reader will benefit from a comparative perspective on what works in diverse institutional and cultural contexts and from actionable insights into designing inclusive and resilient innovation systems. The book aims to inspire universities and policymakers to reimagine their role as knowledge producers and strategic actors driving local development, youth empowerment, and sustainable entrepreneurship.

Mayekiso Thoko is currently a Research Associate at the University of Mpumalanga and a Clinical Psychologist. She was the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mpumalanga. She obtained a BA, BA Honours, and MA in Psychology from the University of Fort Hare. She furthered her studies at the Free University Berlin, in Germany, where she obtained her D. Phil (cum laude) in Psychology. She also holds a Higher Education Diploma (Postgraduate) from the University of South Africa. She is a registered Clinical Psychologist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. In her sterling academic career, Prof Mayekiso has held positions of Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor, Professor, Head of Department, and Vice Dean at the then University of Transkei.

Ogujiuba Kanayo is working as Professor at the School of Development Studies, Faculty of Economics, Development and Business Sciences at the University of Mpumalanga in South Africa at the University of Mpumalanga (UMP), South Africa. He is the Director of UMPCFERI and in the last three decades, Prof. Ogujiuba has played a significant role in cross-institutional collaboration and research, initiating activities, furthering research development, and innovation activities. He is also a Research Fellow at INTI International University in Malaysia and an Extraordinary Professor affiliated with the University of the Western Cape, South Africa.

Angelina Seow Voon Yee began her career as an auditor and an accountant, and she gained wide international exposure in accounting and auditing work while she was working in Australia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and Malaysia. She is currently a Professor and Director (Research Management) at Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU). She manages the Enterprise team, ASBX incubation centre, and research management centre in APU, including ranking and rating, protecting intellectual properties, automating processes etc. She is a chartered accountant and has obtained the ASEAN CPA recognition.

Muhammad Ehsan Rana is an academic professional with an extensive background spanning over 20 years in academic management, lecturing, and quality assurance. He holds a PhD in Software Engineering from Universiti Putra Malaysia and possesses additional qualifications including a PGD in Quality Management, an MSc in Mathematics, and a Master’s degree in Computer Science. Currently serving as an Associate Professor at the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) Malaysia, Dr Muhammad Ehsan Rana is responsible for teaching, conducting research, and engaging with industry and professional bodies. He has an extensive research portfolio, with over 150 Scopus-indexed publications across journals, conference proceedings, and book chapters.