The University of Botswana (UB), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), successfully hosted the Botswana UniPOD Makeathon 2024, a transformative event aimed at driving the sustainable commercialisation of indigenous knowledge through technological innovation.
Held from November 26 to 29, 2024, at the UB Library Auditorium, the Makeathon brought together a diverse group of entrepreneurial minds. Participants were tasked with developing innovative models aligned with this year’s theme: Sustainable Technology and Indigenous Knowledge.
Fostering Innovation and Sustainability
The Makeathon builds on UB’s continued efforts to advance entrepreneurship and green technology solutions, following the groundbreaking ceremony for the UB Innovation Centre in October 2024. This initiative highlights UB’s commitment to fostering creativity and sustainable development through education and collaboration.
During the event, Ms. Kago Kgosietsile, UNDP Youth and Innovation Project Coordinator, elaborated on the UniPOD initiative as part of the broader UNDP Africa Timbuktu Initiative. She explained that UB and the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) are among 15 UniPODs across Africa designed to bridge the gap between research, product development, and market growth. The initiative focuses on nurturing innovative, scalable, and impactful entrepreneurship through funding and facilitation.
Bridging Indigenous Knowledge and Green Technology
Dr. Oabona Nthebolang, Manager for Graduate Research and Innovation at the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), highlighted the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge with green technology to drive sustainable innovation. He commended the participants for collaborating with local communities and emphasized the value of weaving traditional wisdom into technology-driven solutions.
“The Makeathon presents a unique opportunity to honor traditional legacies while creating modern, impactful solutions that benefit both communities and industries,” said Dr. Nthebolang.
Empowering Local Economies through University Innovation
Ms. Kimberly Cornfield, Director of UB’s Office of Research and Development (ORD), underscored the critical role of university-driven innovation in promoting local economic growth, job creation, and sustainable livelihoods. She encouraged participants to embrace collaboration and bold thinking, stating that initiatives like the Makeathon connect academia, entrepreneurs, and industry to achieve local, national, and global impacts.
Challenging Boundaries
During the official opening, Professor Patrick Dichabeng, UB Lecturer in Industrial Design and Technology, challenged participants to push beyond their comfort zones. He emphasized that the Makeathon offered a platform for cross-industry dialogue, exploration of bold ideas, and the formation of potential business partnerships.
“This event is not just about creating ideas but about building impactful solutions and fostering collaboration across disciplines and sectors,” said Professor Dichabeng.
Looking Ahead
The UniPOD Makeathon stands as a testament to UB’s dedication to innovation and sustainability. By bringing together academia, industry leaders, and local communities, the event demonstrates how indigenous knowledge and modern technology can intersect to create solutions that honor tradition while addressing contemporary challenges.
This milestone marks yet another step in UB’s journey to becoming a hub of innovation and a driver of sustainable economic transformation in Botswana.
