BDF Visits The UniPod

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Strengthening National Innovation Through Strategic Research and Development Collaboration

UniPod Botswana was honoured to host a high-level engagement session bringing together academia, defence research, and innovation leadership united by a shared vision of advancing technology-driven solutions for Botswana's future.

The session opened with remarks from UniPod Director, Professor Richie Moalosi, who reaffirmed UniPod's mandate as a world-class incubation hub that nurtures viable, solution-driven ideas across its diverse thematic areas including AgriTech, GreenTech, Clean Technology, Creative Industries, Advanced Manufacturing, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Augmented and Virtual Reality, Electronics, Woodwork, Fabrication, Rapid Prototyping, and Computer Design.

The Botswana Defence Force (BDF) was represented by Mr Colonel David Dimapo, the Deputy Director R&D , Mr Colonel Andrew Nkhwa, Deputy Director R&D and Lieutenant Colonel Lucas Modise, Staff Officer 1 R&D, whose presence underscored the growing intersection of national security, research, and technological innovation.

Ms. Kimberly Cornfield, Director of the Office of Research and Development at the University of Botswana, further enriched the dialogue by highlighting the critical importance of research policy frameworks, ethical compliance, and researcher capacity development.

Discussions covered advanced manufacturing technologies, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, renewable energy, material sciences, health innovation, and environmental research. Participants also explored pathways to strengthen research infrastructure, establish centres of excellence, and expand both local and international partnerships.

The engagement concluded with a collective commitment to collaboration, skills development, and the continuous evolution of institutional frameworks ensuring that research and innovation remain responsive, impactful, and firmly aligned with Botswana's national development agenda.Together, we are building a smarter, stronger, and more innovative Botswana.