Minister Akiiki urges researchers to commercialise innovations

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Eng. Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki has called upon universities and researchers to focus on practical, enterprising research that directly addresses community challenges. During a working visit to Gulu and Lira universities, the minister emphasized that scientific discoveries must transition into marketable products rather than remaining confined to academic corridors.

Drawing from his own background in mining and engineering, Akiiki noted that an initial idea is merely the starting point. Innovations must undergo rigorous testing, meet genuine user needs, and ultimately generate economic value. He urged the country to shift its focus from abstract concepts to tangible technologies and sustainable enterprises.

According to the minister, prolonged delays in the laboratory risk letting others commercialize similar concepts first. He advised institutions to select specific innovations, refine them thoroughly, and attract targeted investment for scaling. Universities were also encouraged to collaborate closely with industries to ensure their academic outputs contribute directly to national economic growth.

Addressing intellectual property, Akiiki stressed the importance of robust protection policies for both creators and academic institutions. He stated that universities must share in the financial rewards of commercialized products to reinvest in future research. Gulu University Vice-Chancellor Professor George Ladaah Openjuru acknowledged these remarks, noting that while the institution boasts numerous innovations, transforming them into viable businesses remains an ongoing hurdle.

Read the original story on the Daily Monitor.