Local unis release inventions

14 Jul, 2019 - 00:07 0 Views
Local unis release inventions

The Sunday Mail

Sharon Munjenjema

A SERIES of new innovations are budding from innovation hubs introduced in the new political dispensation that seek to translate knowledge into goods and services.

A total of 49 prototypes from local state universities have been completed and are ready for commercialisation, a cabinet minister has said.

The innovations include an electronic public transport ticketing system developed by at the Harare Institute of Technology (HIT).

The institution is also behind an electronic database and billing software, which local authorities countrywide are in the process of adopting.

Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) has developed a cattle artificial insemination project with a potential to yield US$140 million from bull semen straw exports yearly.

Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Minister Professor Amon Murwira said Government continues to overhaul the country’s education system with innovation hubs already spinning off industries.

“I asked them (colleges) to give us prototypes so that we pick some for sponsorship and full manufacturing. There are 49 which are ready for commercialisation,” he said.

Midlands State University (MSU) is also pursuing a medical cannabis project.

Projects from other institutions include a hides value addition programme being spearheaded by the National University of Science and Technology (NUST).

HIT is reportedly working on an electronic fuel monitoring system expected to curb the theft of fuel from storage hubs.

Government last year released $700 000 for the construction of innovation hubs at six state universities namely, NUST, MSU, University of Zimbabwe, HIT, Zimbabwe Defence University and CUT.

Share This:

Survey


We value your opinion! Take a moment to complete our survey

This will close in 20 seconds