CITT HOSTS GROUNDBREAKING PROJECT QUALIFICATION REVIEW (PQR) FOR 2024/2025 INNOVATION SEED GRANT
The Centre for Innovations and Technology Transfer (CITT) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) hosted its highly anticipated Project Qualification Review (PQR) session in the CITT Co-creation Space on September 24, 2024. This crucial event aimed to identify the most promising innovations for funding under the prestigious CITT Innovation Seed Grant for the 2024/2025 cycle. The PQR process, known for its rigorous selection standards, serves as a key step toward transforming innovative ideas into market-ready, impactful solutions.
Out of numerous applicants, 20 teams passed the administrative review and participated in an intensive week-long product development workshop from September 17 – 21, 2024. Facilitated by experts from Start Hub Africa, the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), and other notable organizations, the workshop equipped teams with skills in prototype development, business planning, and market analysis. After refining their proposals, 18 teams advanced to the final PQR pitching session.
Innovations on the Pitch
The shortlisted 18 teams showcased a diverse range of innovations, each aimed at addressing significant societal challenges across various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, engineering, and IT. These innovative projects included:
- Arthritis: Bio-Hybrid Nanoparticles – A formulation derived from avocado seeds to manage arthritis effectively.
- Spark Herbal Toothpaste – A natural herbal dentifrice designed to promote better oral health.
- SIMS (Student Information Management System) – A cutting-edge system set to streamline academic management at MUST.
- Coffee Pulp Flour – A sustainable food innovation repurposing coffee by-products into nutritious flour.
- Fair Watt – A fair-pay power system that seeks to enhance energy accessibility and affordability.
- GO-PEYN Liquid Balm – A Fast-Acting Ayurveda Organic Therapy For Quick Relief From Joint Pains, Nasal Congestion And Headaches.
- Intelligent Irrigation System – A smart solution for optimizing water use in agricultural practices.
- Safe Space Health Services – A private health initiative focused on HIV/AIDS care and prevention services.
- LASS (Low-Cost Automated Slide Stainer) – A medical device ensuring accurate and precise diagnostics through automated slide staining.
- Medwing-Loft, Just in Time – A logistics innovation aimed at improving time-sensitive deliveries.
- Natural Anti-Diabetes Capsules – A revolutionary organic treatment for managing Type 2 diabetes in Uganda.
- Solar-Powered Water Purification Project – A solution aimed at providing safe drinking water at MUST’s Kihumuro campus.
- Organic Herbicide Project – A sustainable herbicide solution to promote eco-friendly agriculture.
- Plister – A cost-effective plastering innovation to streamline construction processes.
- Smart Kuku Brooder System – A poultry brooding solution designed to enhance efficiency and productivity in poultry farming.
- Food Additive – A nutrient-rich additive designed to improve the nutritional value of local dishes.
- East Coast Fever Strips – A diagnostic tool for early detection of East Coast Fever in cattle, improving livestock health.
- Eco-Rabbit – A dual-function pesticide and fertilizer aimed at boosting agricultural productivity while protecting the environment.
Students pitching before the panel
The pitching activity commenced in the afternoon, following an inspiring opening speech by Dr. Medard Twinamatsiko, Director of CITT. Dr. Twinamatsiko congratulated the teams on reaching this critical stage and emphasized the importance of innovation in driving economic growth and addressing Uganda’s developmental challenges. He further announced that winning teams would be selected to receive grants of $5,686.64 (approximately 21 million Ugandan Shillings) to help further develop their projects.
A Distinguished Panel of Judges
The panel of judges for the PQR was composed of seasoned academics and industry professionals, led by:
- Tamukong Robert, Chairperson of the panel
- Johnes Obungoloch, Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Engineering and Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology
- John Kule Baguma, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences
- Adonnes Rukundo, Lecturer in the Faculty of Computing and Informatics.
- Robert Muzira, Senior Research Scientist at the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO)
Each team had five minutes to pitch their innovation, followed by a three-minute question-and-answer session where the panel probed deeper into the technical feasibility, market potential, and scalability of each project. The judges were impressed by the diversity and depth of the innovations, which spanned critical sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, engineering and technology.
Driving Future Innovation
The event ended in the evening with closing remarks from the judges. They commended the teams for their creative solutions and highlighted the importance of sustained financial and technical support to ensure these innovations reach their full potential. The panel also encouraged CITT to continue lobbying for more funding, allowing a greater number of teams to be supported in future cycles.
In his final address, Dr. Twinamatsiko expressed his gratitude to the facilitators, participants, and panelists, emphasizing that CITT has continued to achieve significant milestones. These include the formal registration of MUST Holdings Company and recognition by both UNBS and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) as an Innovation Center, which will provide a solid foundation for future innovation projects. He also praised innovations like the Student Information Management System (SIMS), which is expected to revolutionize academic administration at MUST, and recognized that CITT’s continued progress is a testament to the dedication of the University’s innovation ecosystem.
As the participants await the final announcement of the winning teams, the spirit of innovation remains alive at CITT. All the innovative projects presented have the potential to transform industries and improve the quality of life for communities across Uganda and beyond.
SUCCEED WE MUST!
