Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) continues to make significant strides in intellectual property protection, as demonstrated by a training program held on 30th September at the Main Catering Unit (MCU). This event, organized by the Directorate of Science Park Innovation and Incubation Center (SPIIC), was graced by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo and attended by staff, student innovation champions, and representatives from various faculties.
Speaking at the training, Prof. Shibairo emphasized the university's unwavering commitment to supporting innovation. He pledged scholarships and funding for students and staff with innovative ideas, reinforcing MMUST's dedication to nurturing talent and fostering an environment conducive to innovation.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo addresses innovators during the training.
"At Masinde Muliro University, we believe that true innovation is about transforming research into solutions that benefit society. By fostering partnerships with industries and supporting our talented innovators, we are committed to creating a future where ideas thrive and make a meaningful impact," he stated.
The director of the Science Park Innovation and Incubation Center (SPIIC), Dr. Tecla Sum, emphasized the potential of MMUST's innovations to create a lasting economic impact. She highlighted that MMUST is a leading university in Kenya for I-Tech innovations and pledged full support for all innovation champions. Dr. Sum expressed her appreciation for the commitment from the university leadership to support innovation and research, noting that this augurs well for the future of MMUST as a hub for technological advancement.
“Our goal at SPIIC is not only to protect intellectual property but also to turn these innovations into industries that can solve unemployment challenges and create income opportunities for the community. SPIIC has played a pivotal role in raising awareness of intellectual property protection through a series of workshops and seminars as well as implementation of effective strategies to commercialize granted patents, transforming them into income-generating ventures for the university,” she stated.
Some of the notable examples of innovations were from a final year student, Fabian Bernard and Dr. Okinda from School of Engineering and Built Environment (SEBE) who invented an energy hub that can enhance energy management with a predictive manager in residential environments such as homes.
Director of the Science Park Innovation and Incubation Center (SPIIC), Dr. Tecla Sum makes her presentation at the training.
MMUST’s Intellectual Property Consultant, Dr. Frederick Otswongo, who led the training session on intellectual property protection noted that since his engagement with MMUST, it has processed 47 active IP files. He pointed out that according to the Kenya Property Institute database, MMUST currently has 54 active and 8 pending files, raising a total of 62 Intellectual property files. This achievement solidifies MMUST's position as the leading university in Kenya and East Africa in intellectual property protection. Further, Dr. Otswongo said that in 2023 alone, MMUST filed 32 patent applications, the highest in the region. This has positioned the institution as a leader in innovation, a fact that can be attributed to the prudent management of resources by the university leadership.
"Protecting intellectual property is not just about safeguarding ideas but positioning MMUST as a leader in innovation. By securing our innovations, we give our researchers the competitive edge they need to dominate the market and enhance the university’s brand globally. MMUST can also use its intellectual property to generate significant funds, helping to offset university expenses while fostering a vibrant research culture. With continued support from the administration, MMUST is poised to remain at the forefront of innovation in Kenya and beyond," Dr. Otswongo remarked.
MMUST’s Intellectual Property Consultant, Dr. Frederick Otswongo speaks during the event.
Associate Dean, School of Computing and Informatics (SCI), Dr. Collins Odoyo, encouraged students to take full advantage of the resources available at the Science Park Innovation and Incubation Center (SPIIC) to build their careers in research and innovation. He emphasized that the center offers invaluable support and opportunities for aspiring innovators, urging students to engage actively and harness these resources to propel their professional development in their chosen fields.
A section of the participants at the IP training.
As SPIIC strengthens its intellectual property (IP) awareness programs across various schools and departments, it is clear that such a move will facilitate connections with industries and foster collaboration in IP commercialization. Certainly, if the center works closely with the Income Generating Unit and related departments it will be possible to commercialize available IP assets, positioning them as potential spin-offs that can contribute to the university’s economic growth and innovation ecosystem. This comprehensive approach underscores MMUST's commitment to pioneering innovations and enhancing its role as a leader in the field of technology and research. Indeed, MMUST has set a new benchmark for patent filings in a single year.
Story by Steven Omondi Otieno
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
