Pictorial: Makerere, UNDP Unveil Cutting-Edge Innovation Pod

Makerere University in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Uganda, has inaugurated the Makerere University Innovation Pod—a cutting-edge initiative aimed at fostering creativity, research, and technological advancement.

The Makerere Innovation Pod Equipment Installation will open a new era of innovation and possibilities at Uganda’s most prestigious institution.

This state-of-the-art Innovation Pod is designed to be a dynamic hub where academia, industry, and community collaborate to address pressing challenges, foster innovation, scale startups and enhance livelihoods.

This multidisciplinary hub which will connect with research and fuel enterprise creation, serve as a catalyst for interdisciplinary projects, encouraging students, faculty, and external partners to explore inventive solutions to societal issues, is equipped with modern facilities.

While commissioning the Innovation Pod on Tuesday at Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, called for tangible actions to address poverty.

He challenged the university to go beyond traditional research, leveraging youthful staff to turn research into impactful solutions, creating jobs and uplifting communities.

“Innovation is the heartbeat of progress; let’s transform universities into pulsating hubs of creativity and excellence,” he stated, adding:

“The true power of a nation lies in empowering its youth; a country’s stability depends on harnessing the potential of its young minds.”

He said scaling up innovation is not just in theory but in action.

“Create modern universities that are not just centres of learning but engines of progress. Let our universities be the catalysts that propel regions forward, generating companies and opportunities,” he noted.

He added: “Artificial intelligence is not a choice; it’s a necessity. Let’s ensure Africa is at the forefront, not left behind in the AI revolution. Collaboration fuels innovation; together, we can achieve more than we ever could alone. UNDP Uganda, a true partner in progress.”

Speaking on the same occasion, outgoing UNDP Representative Elsie Attafuah, said the new equipment at Makerere opens endless possibilities for students.

“Let’s use this technology responsibly for a positive impact on our community, environment and society. UNDP strongly supports Uganda’s innovation and startup ecosystem,” she noted.

She said COVID-19 revealed challenges and opportunities, urging people to innovate.

“It’s time to rethink development, create our wealth, and not be overly dependent. We must get hungry to empower our youth and transform them amidst uncertainties. Development financing is shifting, and we must create our wealth as a continent.”

According to her, the geopolitics of today demands a new approach hence universities and partners must be interested in how they create wealth for Africa sustainably.

“In a world of change, let’s not walk away from poverty. Innovation, resilience, and gender equality are key. Our partnerships with Macquarie University showcase what’s possible when we think beyond boundaries and embrace diversity. The future demands action. Disrupt the norm, leverage spaces at universities for innovation,” she said.

She added: “Embrace digital transformation, e-commerce, and policies that propel us forward. Let’s collectively reach out to governments for a more impactful future. As we commission equipment and explore spaces like maker spaces and collaborative hubs, remember it’s not just about impediments but about the innovation and technology that shapes the future of development.”

UNDP’s involvement underscores the commitment to supporting sustainable development through knowledge creation and technology-driven solutions.

The collaboration aims to empower the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers by providing a conducive environment for research, experimentation, and the development of impactful projects.

Innovation Pod is poised to become a focal point for hosting workshops and fostering partnerships with local and international organizations.

This initiative aligns with the broader goal of enhancing Uganda’s innovation ecosystem and contributing to the country’s socio-economic development.

On the 20th of September 2022, at the Makerere Senate building, UNDP Uganda signed a development partnership with Makerere as part of the university’s yearlong centennial celebrations.

The partnership saw US $500,000 (Shs1.9bn) earmarked for the setting up and equipping of a model engineering and creative design University Innovation Pod.