UniPod Botswana

Calling young African creatives!

Use culture, creativity and digital innovation to help build more peaceful and inclusive societies through the hashtag Youth Online Innovation Challenge.

🔗 Apply here: shorturl.at/xp3ge
📅 Applications close: 2 July 2026 hashtag

On behalf of UNDP Botswana, UniPod Botswana , and the Bokamoso Skills Programme Team, we would like to sincerely thank you for your support, engagement, and collaboration in the Botswana Youth AI and Digital Skills Needs Assessment.

We are pleased by the positive response and continued engagement from stakeholders across Botswana who are helping shape the future of digital, AI, innovation, and entrepreneurship skills development.stakeholders across government, academia, the private sector, civil society, and youth organizations.

To allow additional stakeholders and young people across the country to contribute their perspectives, the survey deadline has been extended to 24 June 2026.

Survey Link:
https://forms.office.com/e/XC5qkLExzM

We encourage stakeholders across government, academia, the private sector, civil society, and youth networks to participate and help amplify this opportunity to ensure diverse perspectives from across Botswana are represented. The more inclusive the participation, the better positioned we will be to design a programme that responds to the needs and aspirations of Botswana’s youth.

The insights gathered will play an important role in informing the design of the proposed Bokamoso Skills Programme and strengthening future digital, AI, innovation, entrepreneurship, and employability opportunities for Botswana's youth.

Thank you once again for your continued partnership and commitment to Botswana's development and digital transformation agenda.

Ideas Test Lab Programme Officially Launched at UniPod Botswana

The Ideas Test Lab Programme was officially launched on 16 June 2026 at UniPod Botswana, University of Botswana, bringing together academia, development partners, innovators, and government leaders to advance Botswana's innovation ecosystem.

The programme, developed through collaboration between UniPod Botswana, the University of Botswana , Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, UNDP, and Penn State University, aim to collaboratively equip innovators with the tools, skills, and support needed to test, validate, and refine solutions that address real-world challenges.

Speaking on the significance of the programme, Professor Richard Moalosi, Director of UniPod Botswana, highlighted the importance of collaboration and interoperability, emphasizing that innovation happens at the intersection of diverse ideas, disciplines, and institutions.

Professor John Gershenson, Fulbright Specialist from Penn State University, emphasized the importance of customer-centred innovation, reminding participants that successful innovators focus on solving genuine customer problems rather than becoming attached to their solutions.

Officially launching the programme, His Excellency Howard A. Van Vranken, United States Ambassador to Botswana, underscored the transformative power of innovation and the importance of partnerships in driving sustainable development. He further highlighted the strong relationship between Botswana and the United States and the opportunities for deeper collaboration in innovation, research, and entrepreneurship.

Representatives from BIUST and BUAN reaffirmed their commitment to the initiative, emphasizing the need to develop graduates, researchers, and entrepreneurs capable of creating innovative solutions that contribute to economic growth and national development.

In his closing remarks, Professor Edward Dintwa thanked all partners, mentors, innovators, and stakeholders for their support, acknowledging the role of UNDP in establishing UniPod Botswana and strengthening innovation in the country.

The launch concluded with a tour of the UniPod Mini Exhibition, showcasing innovative projects and highlighting the programme's vision of bringing scholars, researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators together to build transformative solutions for Botswana's future.

For more information, visit: www.innovation.ub.bw

The future of innovation is not imagined in isolation it is built through collaboration, vision, and bold conversations

This afternoon, UniPod Botswana welcomed guests for a high-level engagement that highlighted the growing momentum of Botswana's innovation ecosystem. The Vice Chancellor of the University of Botswana, Professor David Norris, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Professor Edward Dintwe, the UNDP Resident Representative for Botswana, Ms. Lovita Ramgoutte, and internationally renowned researcher and entrepreneur Dr. Farzam Kamalabadi gathered at UniPod Botswana to explore pathways from research to prototyping and from prototyping to commercialisation.

As part of his visit, Dr. Kamalabadi toured the UniPod facility and engaged with some of the innovative solutions emerging from the ecosystem. Projects including InRent, Puo AI, and other startup ventures were showcased, offering a glimpse into the creativity, talent, and entrepreneurial drive being nurtured at the University of Botswana.

The discussions reinforced a shared vision: innovation thrives when universities, industry, government, and development partners work together to transform ideas into impact and research into real-world solutions.

At UniPod Botswana, innovation is not just a conversation, it is a movement shaping the future of Botswana and beyond!

For more information, visit: www.innovation.ub.bw

UniPod Botswana Witnesses Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship in Action at the UB Degree Show 2026

The University of Botswana Degree Show 2026 showcased the remarkable talent, creativity, and problem-solving capabilities of graduating students whose projects addressed challenges across agriculture, health, mobility, environmental sustainability, public service, and smart technologies.

Throughout the event, industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and entrepreneurs emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that innovative ideas progress beyond the classroom into the marketplace where they can create jobs, improve livelihoods, and contribute to national development.

Insightful panel discussions explored topics such as bridging the industry skills gap through research, entrepreneurship and market expectations, business modelling, market validation, intellectual property, branding, and compliance with industry standards. Speakers encouraged businesses to partner with the University of Botswana and leverage innovation as a catalyst for economic growth.

A warm congratulations to all the student innovators and award winners whose creativity, determination, and problem-solving mindset continue to demonstrate the immense potential of Botswana’s next generation of changemakers. We also extend our appreciation to our industry partners, judges, exhibitors, and distinguished guests for supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in Botswana.

Together, we are transforming ideas into solutions and shaping a more innovative future for Botswana. 🇧🇼✨