Government Commits to Support IUEA’s innovation, Commercial  projects

Through the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in the office of the President, the Government of Uganda, has committed to support innovation and commercialization projects at the International University of East Africa (IUEA).

The commitment was made by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Eng. Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki, at a strategic meeting and a tour at the Kansaga based university on Wednesday 26^th August 2026.

Minister Asiimwe said government is shifting focus from research for academic papers to research that solves real market challenges and creates jobs, businesses and industries.

 "Our conversation reaffirmed the critical role of science, technology and innovation in delivering home-grown solutions to Uganda's challenges. As Government, we remain committed to creating an enabling environment where researchers, innovators, academia, industry and the private sector work together to develop technologies that improve lives, strengthen productivity and accelerate industrialisation," he said.

The minister together with the STI team concluded the extensive tour of the University covering areas from technology and research to manufacturing and prototype development, showcasing innovations including an electric tractor for the agricultural industry, neural-brain AI tools for medical diagnostics, and software solutions for the mining industry among others.

The visit provided an opportunity for the minister to assess IUEA’s capabilities and their alignment with Uganda’s national priorities, the ATMs and the Tenfold Growth Strategy, with emphasis on translating research and prototypes into technologies, products and enterprises that generate economic value.

The Minister emphasized strengthening the academia–industry–Government interface to translate research, knowledge and innovation into technologies, products, enterprises and greater economic value

“The Vice Chancellor took us through the University’s activities, capabilities, research and innovation ecosystem, giving us a deeper understanding of what IUEA is doing and where its strengths can contribute to our national priorities, the ATMs and the Tenfold Growth Strategy. Our focus is to strengthen the academia-industry/Government interface and translate knowledge, research and innovation into technologies, products, enterprises and economic value” he added

IUEA  Vice-Chancellor Prof. Emeka Akaezuwa, guided the tour  at the campus exploring key facilities and departments while strengthening the link between academia and innovation.

The Vice Chancellor had previously called for government support to roll out various pilot science and innovation projects championed by students from the university to scale them up to serve the community.

Among key support areas from government included providing:  Funding linkage from pilot to commercial production, Intellectual Property protection support, Linkage to manufacturers and industrial parks, Inclusion in the STI Commercialization Strategy among others.