Busitema University Top Management has met with project leaders from across the University to review the progress of ongoing innovative projects and chart the way forward for their implementation.

The engagement, held on Wednesday, 12 August in the University Council Room, brought together project leaders and members of Top Management to assess progress, review implementation priorities and plan the next phase of the innovative ventures under the Technology Business Innovation Incubation Centre (TBIIC).

Vice Chancellor Prof. Paul Waako, while welcoming the project leaders, emphasised the importance of accountability, timely reporting and proper planning in ensuring that the projects progress successfully.

He informed the project leaders that funding was available to support the innovations, but stressed that further support would depend on proper accountability for resources already received. He therefore urged the teams to compile and submit their reports on time to facilitate effective planning and decision-making.

The meeting provided project leaders with an opportunity to present progress made on a diverse portfolio of innovations being undertaken across the University.

Among the innovations presented were projects from the National Products and Research Innovations Centre (NaPRIC), including Provilid and Tazcov; the Materials for Energy Storage Innovations Centre (MESIC) lithium battery project; a space science mobile application for Uganda weather; Black Soldier Fly farming and frass production; Beta-Propiolactone production from starch; Eco-Bricket, an agro-based biochar innovation; Trichos Biofertilizer; Plasphalt, which explores the use of plastic waste in asphalt roads; and Banatex, which focuses on natural fibre products.

Ten projects were included on the programme, with eight presentations delivered during the engagement. The Artificial Intelligence and Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato projects were the two projects that did not make presentations during the meeting.

Beyond demonstrating technical progress, project leaders presented information on logistics, market surveys, community development, the commercial relevance of their projects to the University and their alignment with University policy.

The presentations also highlighted the technical and logistical requirements of the different projects. Most of the initiatives had completed Phase One and were preparing to transition to Phase Two, with additional funding expected to depend on the progress registered by each project.

The engagement underscored the University's focus on moving innovative ideas beyond research and development towards solutions with practical, commercial and community relevance.

Following the presentations, Top Management emphasised the need for project teams to submit their concepts and supporting documentation on time. Concept letters are expected to be forwarded to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation – Office of the President.

Prof. Waako assured the project leaders that he would personally follow up to ensure that their concepts reach the Minister. He further called on the teams to verify their logistical and technical accountabilities before submission.

The engagement provided an important platform for the University leadership and project teams to assess progress, identify areas requiring further attention and strengthen the pathway towards the next phase of implementation.

Through continued investment in research, innovation and commercialisation, Busitema University continues to position its innovations to contribute to community development, national priorities and the University's broader development agenda.