BINDURA University of Science Education (BUSE) was urged to convert its innovations into commercially viable products and solve some of the social and economic issues affecting the nation.
The Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Dr Frederick Shava, who was on his familiarisation tour of BUSE commended the institution for its remarkable strides in innovation and industrialisation.
He called on the university to “go on a full commercialisation drive” and to ensure innovators are rewarded through robust institutional frameworks.
Hon.Shava described the university as a beacon of transformative education under the Government’s Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model.
“BUSE’s initiatives are aligned with our national vision of becoming a knowledge-driven and self-reliant economy,” he said.
“These projects must now transition from prototypes to commercially viable products that make a real impact.”
The Minister’s tour took him to the university’s Software Development Hub, where the institution is assembling the Palpo brand of tablets, laptops, and smartphones integrated with Titus, a multilingual artificial intelligence tool.
The devices are also pre-loaded with educational materials and are expected to change the face of e-learning in Zimbabwe.
Other prominent innovations showcased include the Chiringa Monitoring and Evaluation Dashboard for real-time project tracking, the Murunani University Management System, which digitises administrative operations, the university’s e-Tolling and Access Control System, developed in collaboration with ZINARA, National Goat Genetics Improvement Lab and Centre, School of Optometry and Audiology, Lens Manufacturing Plant, the BUSE Industrial Park, University Farm and Agro Industrial Park..
Dr Shava also visited the food products development unit, where a range of Masawu-based food products, including juices and wines, were on display.
The minister expressed satisfaction with the ongoing development of key facilities, including a computer assembly plant, lecture theatres, student hostels, and a refurbished campus radio station.
Dr Shava assured BUSE of his ministry’s support in funding its construction and innovation projects.
