The head of Research and Innovations Unit at the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT), Mr. Gastervas Rutwara Mugume has urged student’s innovators to develop their innovation ideas beyond the classrooms and transform them into commercial businesses to address Uganda’s socio-economic needs.
“Each year, our students develop exceptional projects, many of which end with grading. This boot camp changed that by offering a practical platform where students could refine, prototype, and pitch their solutions with guidance from experienced experts and policymakers,” he remarked.
Mr Mugume made the remarks at the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT) innovation boot camp and pitch 2025 themed “Transforming Student Projects into Minimum Viable Products & Services enroute to Commercialisation,” over the weekend in kampala.
Mr Mugume noted that the boot camp which is aimed at unlocking the commercial potential of student innovations is part of the government’s plan to promote innovation and entrepreneurship and empower final-year students to turn their academic projects into viable business solutions.
The event was supported by key partners including the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), National Information Technology Authority – Uganda (NITA-U), Lwera Electronics & Semi-Conductors Ltd, RENU, Innovation Village, and the Centre for Innovations and Technology Transfer – Mbarara University of Science and Technology who played a critical role in providing mentorship, infrastructure, and networks needed to scale up student solutions.
Below are the standout innovators from the camp
Winner: RFID Book Detecting System
1st Runner-up: AI Tool for Hypertension Diagnosis & Treatment
2nd Runner-up: Facial Detection Car Security System
Notable Finalist: NdiMukozi – AI-Powered Handyman Service App
TIE – 5th Place:
• CampusBite – Student-Exclusive Food Delivery App
• Gym Appointment Scheduling App