This premier gathering serves as a dynamic platform to transform innovative ideas into tangible solutions for Malawi's most pressing socio-economic challenges.
What is the Research and Innovation Week?
The Research and Innovation Week is MUBAS's flagship event dedicated to fostering a vibrant ecosystem of research, creativity, and entrepreneurship. It brings together the brightest minds—including students, academic staff, industry experts, government representatives, and sponsors—to collaborate, showcase, and inspire.
Each year, the event is guided by a powerful theme focused on national development, such as “Driving sustainable growth for an inclusive and entrepreneurial Malawi.”
A Glimpse into the Week's Activities
The event is packed with engaging and insightful activities designed to cater to a diverse audience and its showcased in full on its website:
- Inspiring Opening Ceremony: The week is officially opened by the University's Vice-Chancellor, who sets the tone by emphasizing the critical role of impact-driven research in tackling issues like poverty, healthcare, and sustainable development.
- Innovation Pitches & Project Exhibitions: Witness the future unfold as students showcase their groundbreaking projects. Past innovations have included solutions in Cash Tracking, Smart Farming, Smart Tourism Drones, and Monitoring Systems, demonstrating the practical application of academic learning.
- Keynote Presentations & Panel Discussions: Leaders from industry, academia, and the legal sector share their expertise on topics crucial for innovators, ensuring new ventures are built on a solid, compliant foundation.
- Interactive Workshops: Participants gain hands-on experience and practical skills in specialized sessions. Popular workshops often include Women in Innovation, Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development, and Entrepreneurship, providing invaluable guidance on turning ideas into viable businesses.
- Research Findings Presentations: Academic staff and researchers present their latest findings, sharing knowledge and sparking discussions that can lead to further collaborative studies and funded projects.
Celebrating Excellence
The Research and Innovation Week culminates in a prestigious Awards Ceremony that celebrates outstanding achievements. This ceremony honors the top students and teams for their exceptional contributions to research and innovation, recognizing their potential to become the next generation of leaders and change-makers.
The MUBAS Research and Innovation Week is more than just an event; it is a catalyst for progress, empowering innovators and building a sustainable, entrepreneurial future for all.