Govt fronts innovations' one stop centre to boost innovation industry
Ms Desire Alinda explains how the lithuim ion battery powered motorbike that she assembled works. PHOTO/DAN WANDERA
What you need to know:
- At the One Stop Innovation Centre, all innovators will have their respective projects and addresses registered for easier monitoring and possible trucking for support by interested parties.
As part of her course project in Fuel to Electric conversion, Ms Desire Alinda, a Second Year student pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering has many unanswered questions about the future of the project after successfully assembling an electric powered motorcycle.
The electric powered cycle that runs about 80kms before the lithium ion battery gets recharged for further use is among the many innovations that several scientists are working on but for Alinda, the concern is on the ability to work on such a project without resources to invest in the production and research.
“My parents can only afford the university tuition and up keep and not the innovation projects that require extra funding. Both government and the private sector should be able to pick interest in such projects for possible funding if we are to boost the new innovations for market. A motorcycle that is electric powered saves money spent on fuel and is environment friendly,” Alinda a Civil Engineering Student at Ndejje University said in an interview.
Her appeal for support from both government and the private sector for a hand in boosting research and production process for the innovation sector are shared by a section of scientists engaged in the innovation industry.
But the Science and Technology Minister, Dr Monica Musenero is optimistic that the future of the innovation industry in Uganda is bright now that government is setting up the Innovators One Stop Center and the Innovators Exchange Centre for the innovation industry.
“For the first time in Uganda, the innovators will have an innovation hub. This will be at the Ministry of Science and Technology Headquarters,” she said as she met a section of Science and Innovation students and staff of Ndejje University at the inspection of several innovation products at the university on Saturday.
At the One Stop Innovation Centre, all innovators will have their respective projects and addresses registered for easier monitoring and possible trucking for support by interested individuals, government and the private sector.
The Covid -19 pandemic lockdown could have been a blessing in disguise as many Scientists have for the first time been able to come together in areas of innovation. This is not only limited to the vaccines research but many other innovations, she said.
Prof Eriabu Lugujjo, the Vice Chancellor Ndejje University says the innovation industry that is part of the Science and innovation sector requires a concerted effort by both Government and the Private sector.
“We need support to translate our prototype into viable products for dissemination. We have been able to realize through innovation, the motor bike without a conventional engine but powered by the Lithium-ion battery, a customized drone among other innovations,” he said.
About other science and innovation programs in Uganda
The Kiira Motors recently unveiled the Kayoola EVS electric powered bus that relies on Lithium ion batteries to power the electric motor. Several prototype cars are lined up as part of the science and innovation program. The buses are designed by Ugandan Engineers.
