ICT Students Advised to Focus on Solving Societal Problems

The Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT), in collaboration with the National ICT Innovation Hub, successfully hosted the Innovation Bootcamp & Pitch 2025, a transformative initiative aimed at unlocking the commercial potential of student innovations. 

The four-day bootcamp took place from May 15 to 18, at the National ICT Innovation Hub in Nakawa, and empowered final-year students to turn their academic projects into viable business solutions.

Held under the theme “Transforming Student Projects into Minimum Viable Products & Services enroute to Commercialisation,” the bootcamp brought together stakeholders from academia, government, industry, and innovation ecosystems to support student-led innovations with strong potential to address Uganda’s socio-economic needs.

The event was supported by key partners including the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), National Information Technology Authority – Uganda (NITA-U), Lwera Electronics & Semi-Conductors Ltd, RENU, Innovation Village, and the Centre for Innovations and Technology Transfer – Mbarara University of Science and Technology. 

These partners played a critical role in providing mentorship, infrastructure, and networks needed to scale up student solutions.

Speaking at the launch, Gastervas Rutwara Mugume, Head of the Research and Innovations Unit at UICT, said the bootcamp represented a significant shift in how student innovations are nurtured beyond the classroom.

“Each year, our students develop exceptional projects, many of which end with grading. This bootcamp changed that by offering a practical platform where students could refine, prototype, and pitch their solutions with guidance from experienced experts and policymakers,” he remarked.

Participants benefited from hands-on training in areas such as design thinking, prototyping, business model development, intellectual property protection, industry collaboration, and startup financing. 

The programme culminated in a pitch competition where students presented their projects to a panel of expert judges, including potential investors and industry leaders.

UICT identified at least 10 promising student-led projects for further mentorship and possible incubation, marking a concrete step towards building a stronger innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem among Uganda’s youth.

Edison Nkurunungi, Head of Department – ICT, UICT, said the top 5 winning innovation groups will each receive a cheque of UGX 5 million. 

“This financial boost is designed to support the next phase of prototype development, refinement, and early-stage testing. It is our hope that these funds will move your solutions one step closer to commercialization and market readiness.”

The overall winner was RFID Book Detecting System, 1st Runner-up: AI Tool for Hypertension Diagnosis & Treatment, 2nd Runner-up: Facial Detection Car Security System, the notable finalist was NdiMukozi – AI-Powered Handyman Service App and a tie at 5th Place, was CampusBite – Student-Exclusive Food Delivery App and Gym Appointment Scheduling App.

The Innovation Bootcamp & Pitch 2025 formed part of UICT’s broader strategy to promote applied research and innovation in alignment with national development priorities.