The African Centre of Excellence in Internet of Things (ACEIoT) and Kumva Insight have successfully completed a capacity-building workshop on IoT prototyping applied in cold chain monitoring from September 18 to 22, for students of ACEIoT and school of ICT.
The workshop was conducted under the project entitled ‘A collaborative research study to assess stakeholder needs and mitigate risk in the development of Internet of Things Remote Monitoring Solutions for high-risk cold chains, aiding the storage and delivery of temperature-sensitive vaccines in Rwanda’, funded by the National Council of Science and Technology (NCST).
The project aimed to design an IoT remote monitoring system device for cold chain storage of vaccine so that the data can be accessible remotely. The workshop brought together students, stakeholders, and project team to share knowledge on the feasibility and impact of IoT remote monitoring systems (RMS) tailored for cold chain environments, particularly in regions with limited connectivity and frequent power outages
Through presentations, discussions, and hands-on activities, participants learned about the technical aspects of IoT devices and their potential to transform healthcare logistics. Stakeholders provided valuable insights, fostering a collaborative atmosphere that encouraged innovative thinking and problem-solving.
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According to Desire Ngabo, the principal investigator, training students and healthcare personnel empowers them to leverage technology for broader applications, noting that the workshop aims to enhance understanding of cold chain remote monitoring systems and the opportunities they create.
"These students that we have here are from different countries, which fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing, crucial for tackling the challenges in vaccine storage, and implementing remote monitoring technology can significantly reduce vaccine waste caused by temperature fluctuations,” he said.
Ngabo also highlighted that this technology ensures that vaccines are stored within the required range, thereby preserving their efficacy and reducing financial losses, and the insights gained from this project are not limited to vaccines alone.
"The remote monitoring systems developed can be scaled to other sectors, like agriculture, where similar temperature-sensitive challenges exist,” he added.
During the workshop, participants engaged in interactive sessions that explored the challenges faced in vaccine storage, emphasising the critical importance of maintaining stable cold chains in the medical sector.
One of the participants from Tanzania doing his master’s programme at the University of Rwanda’s Centre of Excellence in Internet of Things (ACEIoT), Issah Ipyana Mwaisekwa, shared that the workshop equipped him with knowledge to navigate the complexities of bringing their technological solutions to the market effectively.
"We need to develop systems that not only monitor but also provide real-time alerts about abnormalities in storage conditions, and I also think understanding how to protect our innovations will help ensure they benefit society,” he said.
Mwaisekwa also added that the workshop delved into commercialisation and the significance of intellectual property rights, believing in the extension of the application of these technologies beyond healthcare into agriculture, exploring low-cost solutions for preserving perishable goods to support local farmers and improve the food supply ecosystem.
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Katija Abdula, a PhD student from Mozambique, expressed her gratitude for the learning opportunities provided by the UR workshop, particularly on cold chain management. She noted the significant losses of vegetables in Mozambique due to a lack of refrigeration and emphasised the importance of temperature control in preserving these products for market sale.
"I like this university because it opens opportunities for students to learn more and more, and I learned a lot with my colleagues about how to help people manage temperature in fridges to keep vegetables fresh,” she said.
She also highlighted the value of understanding regulations and partnerships necessary for product licensing, emphasising the need for recognition of quality standards.
One of her key takeaways was about advancements in sensor technology. She remarked, "I learned that sensors are continuously being updated, and now I realise that I can use a single, multifunctional sensor instead of multiple devices.”
Jean Bosco Kalisa, an assistant lecturer at IPRC Gishari, reflected on a project he joined as a student that significantly benefited him, emphasising that his collaboration with Kumva Insight opened doors for internship opportunities.
"We are learning to connect the data collected to AI tools for making predictions, and we were able to work on prototyping projects using trending technologies, gaining valuable technical skills,” he said.
He emphasised the training focused on prototyping, which taught students how to design projects that facilitate data collection using sensors, and how to visualise that data for easy access.
Kalisa also expressed his gratitude, stating, "I want to thank the government and the University of Rwanda for connecting students with external companies, helping us see the real-world applications of technology beyond the lab.”
As the workshop concluded, participants expressed enthusiasm for applying their newfound knowledge to real-world challenges, reinforcing the project’s commitment to creating affordable solutions for Rwanda’s healthcare sector.