Nkumba University has pledged to strengthen its commitment to turning academic research into commercial ventures following a high-level seminar held on May 30, 2025. The seminar, focused on the Commercialization of Academic Research, brought together scholars, innovators, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to explore strategies for transforming university research into viable market solutions.
The event was jointly organized by the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) and Nkumba’s Centre for Applied Research and Innovation (CARI).
Nkumba University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Jude Lubega, opened the seminar with a call to bridge the gap between science and real-world application. “Any form of knowledge can be transformed into a commercial product; you just need the right bridge between science and application,” he said.
Key discussions centered on the national Science, Technology, and Innovation strategy under the Office of the President, the role of universities in Uganda’s economic transformation, and the importance of institutional structures such as technology transfer offices and intellectual property policies.
RUFORUM’s Emmanuel Okalani challenged universities to emulate models like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which he said succeeded through deliberate investment in systems. “MIT didn’t start off profitable. They invested first. Sometimes you incur losses initially, but a single breakthrough technology can earn millions in return,” he said.
The seminar spotlighted student-led innovations already making real-world impact:
- Virtual Lab, developed by Mackenzie Tuhirirwe’s team from Mbarara University of Science and Technology, is an electronics simulation platform for engineering students. “We had 80 students and only two kits. We needed a way to teach embedded systems without expensive physical resources,” said Tuhirirwe.
- Freza Nanotech, created by Ainembabazi Samantha and her team, uses biodegradable packaging and nano-stickers to extend the shelf life of produce like tomatoes and apples by up to 60 days. “We are not just reducing waste, we’re creating value,” added team member Gift Mugisha.
- Tredumo, designed by Nkumba University’s Akampereza Darlington and team, is a digital university management platform with biometric attendance, AI-based ID verification, and student counselling access. “We started by solving the long queues at university gates,” said Darlington. “Now we have a fully functioning system.”
Prof. Lubega, who supervised the Tredumo project, stressed the importance of interdisciplinary innovation. “We must break the silos. The problems we are solving are not just technical, they are social, cultural, and economic,” he said.
Despite the enthusiasm, several speakers highlighted gaps between university research and government uptake. Dr. Noah Ssendaula called for stronger collaboration with ministries. “We are innovating in isolation. The government should be our first customer. They’re the biggest spender,” he said.
Participants also urged for policy reforms to support local innovations, including tax exemptions for startups, reduced validation costs, and incentives for domestic technology adoption.
The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) emphasized the need for robust IP protection and university-industry partnerships to make commercialization sustainable.
Prof. Lubega closed the seminar with a commitment to establish an innovation office at Nkumba University. “This isn’t just a seminar; it’s a catalyst. We’re ready to move forward—to become not just consumers of knowledge but creators of marketable solutions.”
The seminar signaled a major shift in how Ugandan universities approach academic research, setting the stage for innovation to become a national economic engine.
