URSB Champions Launch of 38th Technology and Innovation Centre at at UVRI to Drive IP-Led Research and Commercialisation

The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) has led the establishment and launch of the 38th Technology & Innovation Support Centre (TISC) at the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), reinforcing its mandate to anchor intellectual property (IP) as a catalyst for research, innovation, and socio-economic transformation. 

The new TISC forms part of the global Technology & Innovation Support Centres programme facilitated by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Through this initiative, URSB continues to expand access to high-quality patent information, scientific and technical databases, IP advisory services, and capacity-building support for researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs across Uganda.

By hosting the TISC at UVRI, URSB is strategically positioning one of Uganda’s premier research institutions to translate scientific discoveries into protected, market-ready innovations with regional and global relevance. The Centre will support technology searches, patent analytics, IP strategy development, and guidance on patent filing and commercialisation pathways ensuring that research outputs move beyond academic publication into tangible products and services.

The launch ceremony was graced by Dr. Samuel Okware, Director General of the Uganda National Health Research Organisation, and Prof. Pontiano Kaleebu, Director of UVRI, reflecting strong institutional commitment to strengthening Uganda’s research infrastructure and innovation ecosystem.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Okware described the TISC as a transformative milestone. He noted that the Centre will serve as a benchmarking and learning hub, reduce duplication of research, and enhance access to global patent and scientific databases, key ingredients for building a sustainable culture of innovation.

Representing the Registrar General, Commissioner Finance and Administration Mr. Ambrose Ekaju emphasized URSB’s strategic vision in driving the initiative. He underscored that the launch aligns directly with Uganda’s national development agenda, including the aspirations of Uganda Vision 2040 and National Development Plan IV, which prioritize science, technology, and innovation as pillars of socio-economic growth. He reiterated that research must increasingly translate into protected technologies, commercial products, and sustainable enterprises.

Prof. Kaleebu welcomed the partnership with URSB, noting that while UVRI has long undertaken impactful scientific work, structured IP support now places patents and commercialisation at the centre of its research agenda.

Through this milestone, URSB continues to strengthen Uganda’s national innovation framework by embedding IP services within research institutions. The 38th TISC at UVRI stands as a clear demonstration of Uganda’s commitment to building a resilient, knowledge-based economy, one in which researchers are empowered to protect their ideas, access global knowledge resources, and deliver solutions that address both local and global challenges.