On the second day of Uganda’s deep tech conference, there were one-on-one conversations with individuals from MIT and AfricInvest. The day consisted of panels and group discussions focusing on the challenges and solutions for Uganda, with an emphasis on stakeholders like academia and investors.
Deep tech heavily relies on research, making researchers from top universities crucial players. However, there seems to be a gap in translating research ideas into commercial ventures among Uganda’s academic elite.
According to Khaled Ben Jilani, a Senior Partner at AfricInvest, researchers face obstacles in transforming ideas into commercial opportunities, such as ownership of intellectual property and the risk-averse nature of many academics.
Jilani suggests that the government should help lower these barriers, acknowledging that deep tech innovations require long-term commitment despite adequate funding and support.
Conversations like these are crucial for aligning all stakeholders—government, investors, founders, and academics—to establish a common understanding and direction.
MIT representative Kristy Morse highlights the significance of partnerships and collaborations in addressing trust issues among founders, regulators, and innovators, paving the way for future cooperation.
The next step involves presenting a clear plan to the government to further progress in this collaborative effort. Stay tuned for updates!