Connecting research and industry

Imagine a world where groundbreaking research seamlessly translates into everyday solutions, where researchers and businesses meet to turn bright ideas into real-world impact.

This is one of the core themes of the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) – public-private partnership.

Through tailored training and hands-on support, SGCI helps councils see opportunities for research commercialization and innovation-driven economic growth.

How SGCI supports councils

Support research competitions involving private sector actors.

Provide training on strategic communication with the private sector and support the development of communication action plans.

Expand research and innovation projects involving the private sector.

Support national platforms for dialogue between research bodies and private sector actors.

Read more about this here

Here are several projects in Uganda supported by SGCI’s private sector engagement framework, already making a difference.

Boosting Iron Levels in Anaemia Patients – The Natural Chemotherapeutic Research Institute (NCRI) and Baankuza Food and Nutritional Consult (U) Ltd are developing iron-fortified beetroot products to combat iron deficiency.

Innovative Use of Banana Fibre – Busitema University and TEXFAD (U) Limited are exploring how banana fiber can be used in non-woven materials for sustainable product development.

Enhancing Ugandan Tropical Fruit Wines – Kyambogo University and CMAR SOLUTIONS (U) LTD are researching natural colorants and flavoring agents to create unique, high-quality wines.

Scaling Uganda’s Leather Industry – Sasa College of Industrial Design is collaborating with local leather manufacturers to increase the country’s production of leather bags.

Turning Industrial Waste into Smart Fertilizers – Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi and local partners are transforming tannery waste into organic fertilizers for sustainable agriculture.

Sustainable Biofuel Production – Makerere University and Africa Power Initiatives (U) Limited are working on the efficient extraction of oils from candlenut seeds to produce high-quality biodiesel.

These partnerships exemplify how effective engagement between academia and the private sector can drive innovation, address local challenges, and contribute to economic development.

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