In a comprehensive multi-campus innovation awareness tour from August 19 to 27, the University of Rwanda's innovation hubs, UniPod and the Grid Innovation and Incubation Hub (GIIH), both located within the College of Science and Technology (CST), made a notable stop at all UR campus. The tour aims to spotlight the transformative potential of the university’s innovation hubs mainly the University Innovation Pod (UniPod) and Grid Innovation and Incubation Hub (GIIH)
UniPod, a United Nations Development Program-funded initiative, aims at promoting innovation, inter-disciplinary research, and nurturing the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs at the university.
By visiting various campuses, the tour seeks to elevate awareness among incoming first-year students about these dynamic resources, designed to support research, technology development, and entrepreneurship.
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According to Pascal Nyiringango, Head of Business and Commercialisation at GIIH at the University of Rwanda— UniPod, this multi-campus tour aims to introduce new students to their cutting-edge innovation hubs and offer the students a comprehensive look at the resources and support available for aspiring innovators among them.
"UniPod is a University Innovation Pod. It’s a place where your ideas can be transformed from concept to prototype, all at no cost to the students. We offer resources like high-performance computers, 3D printers, and design labs to help students bring their ideas to life,” he said.
Nyiringango also explained to the freshman that the hub’s role is as a "maker space” where students can turn their ideas into tangible products, and after developing their product at UniPod, they can move to GIIH to refine their business model and seek funding.
Prosper Muganza, who is currently studying at the UR now benefiting from the program at GIIH highlighted the incubation and support service offered by GIIH, adding his own experience to underscore the practical benefit of the programme.
"They [GIIH] connect students with industry experts, provide seed funding, and offer mentorship to help them navigate their entrepreneurial journeys. I can assure you that GIIH is about creating an environment where your ideas can grow into a successful business,” he added.
ALSO READ: GIIH’s best innovative business startups get funding
During the visit to the Busogo campus, there were engaging presentations and interactive sessions, underscoring the university’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration from the outset of students’ academic journeys.
Christian Rukundo, a first-year agronomy student, expressed his excitement about the resources available, adding that he hadn’t imagined the possibility of his own project coming to life.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for us to get started on our projects early. I’m working on a project to restore soil fertility, and I believe UniPod will provide the support I need to develop and test my ideas,” he declared.
The tour not only introduced students to valuable resources but also inspired them to think about their potential contributions to the field; for instance, Merry Christmas Niyonziza, who is also a first-year student in crop production, expressed her enthusiasm to venture into fashion because of the variety of labs at UniPod AND GIIH.
"The variety of labs and resources available is impressive. Previously, we lacked access or support, which often felt like a barrier. Now, with UniPod and GIIH, we have everything we need to bring our ideas to life,” she said
This innovation awareness tour represents a strategic investment in the future of University of Rwanda students. By providing knowledge and access to innovation resources, it fosters a vibrant culture of entrepreneurship, research, and technological advancement throughout all campuses namely the College of Science and Technology, College of Education, College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine (CAVM), and College of Arts and Social Sciences.