The University of Dar es Salaam ICT Innovation Hub (UDICTI) has launched its latest action plan to mainstream innovation and accelerate the commercialization of student-led solutions. This strategic three-year plan is poised to equip UDSM students with the necessary entrepreneurial skills, strengthen industry partnerships, and ultimately turn university innovations into viable market solutions with a measurable socio-economic impact.

The UDICTI Action Plan is structured around three core hubs—Training Hub, MVP Studio, and Commercialization Hub—each designed to support students through different stages of their entrepreneurial journey. This comprehensive support system empowers students to bridge the gap between academic projects and market-ready solutions, fostering a dynamic culture of innovation and self-sufficiency.

“This action plan is timely and essential in enhancing our capacity to drive innovation,” says Prof. Joel Mtebe, Principal of the College of ICT (CoICT). “It prepares students for the workforce and contributes to Tanzania’s innovation ecosystem by equipping students with the skills to create impactful solutions that address real-world challenges. We are committed to transforming these academic ideas into tangible products that can reach and benefit communities.”

This  action plan has three key pillars: 

1. Training Hub: Building Skills for Innovation
   This is the foundation of this action plan, where students gain critical skills in innovation methodologies, such as design thinking and prototyping, alongside technical competencies in coding, robotics, and product development. Structured workshops, hackathons, and real-world projects equip students with hands-on experience to prepare them for the next stages of their entrepreneurial journey.

2. MVP Studio: Developing Viable Prototypes
   The MVP Studio guides students in transforming their ideas into Minimum Viable Products (MVPs). This space offers students essential tools and resources, including a makerspace for rapid prototyping and a collaborative environment for creative experimentation. Under the mentorship of UDICTI coaches, students refine their innovations, ensuring they are ready for commercialization. “By supporting students in MVP development, we are taking significant steps toward making their solutions feasible and impactful,” explains Dr. Moses Ismail, UDICTI Coordinator. “This is where ideas take shape, and students gain the confidence to advance in innovation.”

3. Commercialization Hub: Bringing Solutions to Market
   The Commercialization Hub is where promising projects transition from MVPs to market-ready solutions. Students receive support for market research, business licensing, intellectual property (IP) protection, and access to industry partners and investors. This structured pathway ensures that student innovations reach the public as viable products. “The Commercialization Hub is vital because it brings student projects to the real world,” Dr. Ismail adds. “With UDICTI’s support, students gain a competitive edge and are well-prepared to contribute to the Tanzanian economy.”

Key Features and Support Mechanisms

The UDICTI Action Plan is designed to make the innovation journey seamless and productive, with each hub supporting critical milestones for students:

• Structured Training and Development: The Training Hub focuses on employability and entrepreneurial skills that prepare students for MVP and commercialization phases, emphasizing practical innovation skills.

• Enhanced Pathways to Commercialization: Through the Commercialization Hub, UDICTI offers additional support for market research, business licensing, and investor engagement, helping promising innovations become fully operational products.

• Collaborations with Industry Leaders: Partnerships with organizations like CRDB Bank, NMB Bank, and the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) provide students with real-world challenges and FinTech, sustainability, and technology-driven solution opportunities. These collaborations ensure students create solutions that meet industry standards and market needs.

• Innovation Spaces and Resources: Upgrades to UDICTI’s facilities include well-equipped training rooms, the MVP Studio, and a makerspace, creating a dynamic environment that supports student creativity and prototyping.

• Annual Innovation Exhibition: Each year, UDICTI will host an Innovation Exhibition, providing students with a platform to showcase their projects to the public, investors, and industry leaders. The exhibition helps students refine their pitching skills and gain valuable feedback, preparing them for commercialization.

Expanding Social Impact through Entrepreneurship

The UDICTI Action Plan also strongly emphasizes social impact, encouraging students to address critical local challenges in water management, healthcare, and sustainable energy. This aligns with Tanzania’s development goals and positions UDSM as a key player in fostering young talent for national progress. Through socially impactful projects, UDICTI empowers students to become changemakers in their communities.

In the words of Prof. Mtebe, “This initiative not only aims to increase our students’ employability but also contributes to the broader socio-economic goals of Tanzania. By tackling real-world challenges, our students are empowered to create lasting solutions that resonate beyond the university walls.”

The Future of Innovation at UDSM

The UDICTI Action Plan represents a bold step forward for the University of Dar es Salaam. Over the next three years, UDICTI aims to produce commercially viable products and launch successful startups driven by student innovation. UDICTI is laying the foundation for a vibrant innovation ecosystem with strong partnerships, empowered students, and upgraded facilities.

“This plan is our roadmap for success, allowing us to focus on what matters most—transforming ideas into impactful products,” Dr. Ismail emphasizes. “UDICTI is committed to nurturing a culture of innovation and ensuring that our students are not only job-ready but also ready to be drivers of economic growth in Tanzania.”

The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) and NMB Bank have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the NMB Headquarters, aimed at fostering innovation, enhancing education, and empowering students with real-world skills. This strategic partnership bridges academia and industry, focusing on talent development, digital transformation, and youth empowerment.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Emmanuel Akonaay, NMB’s HR Director, emphasized that the collaboration will provide students with opportunities to test innovative ideas through NMB’s Sandbox platform, develop digital skills through mentorship and internships, and engage in research on emerging technologies such as AI, fintech, and blockchain. Akonaay added, “This partnership will accelerate digital transformation by equipping students with practical skills while NMB offers financial support, including scholarships and funding for innovation programs.”

The Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research at UDSM, Prof. Nelson Boniface, highlighted the importance of industry participation in academia, stating, “This partnership will open doors for adjunct trainers from the industry to teach at UDSM, giving students hands-on industrial experience and aligning their skills with market demands.” He emphasized that integrating industry professionals into the academic environment will enhance teaching and learning, providing students with real-world insights.

Mr. Akonaay reiterated NMB’s commitment to youth empowerment through this partnership. “By engaging students early and equipping them with future-ready skills, we aim to ensure they are prepared to drive innovation and take on meaningful roles in the industry including creating employment for others,” he said.

The ICT Innovation Hub will play a central role in driving student engagement through workshops, hackathons, and collaborative projects, offering hands-on industry experience. The collaboration aims to align academic curricula with market needs, producing job-ready graduates and contributing to Tanzania’s economic development.

Stay updated with UDSM ICT Innovation Hub for the latest developments in this transformative partnership.

On 20^th January 2024, we had our first event titled CODE BOOST. At the event, the students were able to learn different things in different sessions. In the first session, the speaker was Rohit Gulam, who taught us about WordPress. Under WordPress, we were taught how to create a simple landing page and how to customize and optimize the landing page. During the second session, the speaker was Madam Shakila Mshana, and she taught us about idea generation techniques, validating startup ideas, and identifying market opportunities. In the third session, the speaker was Daniel Mawalla, who spoke about Git and GitHub and he introduced student pack tools. Also the students were able to participate in different games which helped to boost they're energy.