The academia-industry conference aimed at building synegies between the university of Rwanda and partners industries opened Thursday with participants assessing ways on how to foster technology transfer from the public university
As the first event of its kind to be held in Rwanda, it has attracted representatives of different college of the University of Rwanda (public) and enterprises to explore new models to enhance the transformation of scientific and technological achievements.
Facilitating the transfer of original and disruptive technological innovations from academia to industry, from laboratories to production lines, and from shelves to markets — is crucial to driving industrial innovation through technological advancement, said Dr. Nathan Kanuma Taremwa, the Director for Research and Innovation College of Agriculture, Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine (CAVM) of the University of Rwanda
Dr Taremwa stressed that it is a significant measure in advancing the development of new industrialization and new quality productive forces.
A new report released by the University of Rwanda shows that the majority of research outputs are not commercialized and this is probably due to the lack of clear flow chain and steps needed to link up researchers (innovators/inventors) and industry (end users).
The one-day Academia-Industry conference saw the release of a technology transfer strategy in Rwanda
The new strategy seeks to ensure the effective collaboration between academic, researchers, entrepreneurial teams, and investors as a key to translating research into impactful commercial ventures.
The needs for development of this strategy is consonant with National Science Technology and Innovation Policy (STI Policy) , which seeks to optimize the performance of the national innovation system (NIS) by boosting capability of adapting, inventing and innovating technology products and services towards sustainable socio-economic development.
So far, the University of Rwanda has made considerable progress and investments in terms of policies and strategies, research and innovation development, and infrastructure.
In addition to its six colleges and respective schools and departments, there have been key investments to support and accelerate technology transfer and commercialization of research and innovation outputs, it said.
Dr Louis Sibomana, the Head of Department of Science, Technology Development and Outreach at the National Council for Science and Technology of Rwanda (NCST) presented a model framework for technology transfer in the Rwanda context which is designed around various pillars of activity that can support both horizontal and vertical technology transfer.
“There is a need to ensure that inventions are successfully transferred to the market,” he said.
