Kabale University Hosts UNCST Capacity Building Training to Strengthen Innovation and Intellectual Property Competencies

Kabale University, in partnership with the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology, hosted a one day capacity building training aimed at enhancing innovation management and intellectual property skills among researchers, innovators, and university based start ups. The training took place on Wednesday 19 November 2025 at the Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.

The workshop formed part of UNCST’s national programme designed to empower academic institutions to play a stronger role in knowledge transfer, commercialization and technology led development. Facilitators from the UNCST Intellectual Property Office delivered intensive sessions that guided participants through the fundamentals of intellectual property rights, technology transfer pathways and the strategic value of protecting and commercializing research outputs.

Drawing from national and global best practices, the training highlighted the evolving role of universities in the innovation ecosystem. Universities were challenged to not only generate new knowledge but to ensure that research products translate into solutions that support economic development, job creation and industry growth. According to the facilitators, knowledge transfer remains one of the least realized mandates of universities in Africa, underscoring the need for stronger IP management capacities and entrepreneurial support structures.

Participants were introduced to the different forms of intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, industrial designs, copyrights, utility models and trade secrets. Practical discussions focused on how researchers can identify and protect their innovations, navigate patentability criteria, manage confidential information and leverage IP as a competitive advantage in science and business. The training emphasized that intellectual property is a strategic tool that enables creators to prevent unauthorized use of their work, attract partnerships, secure funding and engage in technology transfer.

In addition, the facilitators examined how technology transfer offices function as bridges between research and industry, supporting deal negotiation, licensing, commercialization and value delivery. Participants also explored examples from global institutions such as Oxford University’s technology transfer models, as well as emerging opportunities within Uganda’s innovation landscape.

The sessions further explored contemporary issues such as artificial intelligence assisted inventions, global IP frameworks including TRIPS and the relevance of continental integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area for innovators seeking to scale their products and services across Africa.

Speaking during the workshop, UNCST representatives encouraged Kabale University to continue strengthening its innovation ecosystem through improved IP awareness, research support systems and collaboration with industry. They emphasized that universities must adopt a more business oriented mindset and position research outputs as market ready solutions that can drive national development.

Kabale University reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship and responsible science. The training marked an important step in empowering staff and researchers with the skills needed to protect their intellectual assets, advance commercialization potential and contribute more meaningfully to Uganda’s science, technology and innovation agenda.

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