In a bid to promote research, innovation, and commercialisation efforts, Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences (MSUAS) recently hosted the Vice Chancellor’s Innovation Expo at the Fern Hill Campus in Mutare.
Running under the theme “Innovating for Sustainable Development: Solutions for Zimbabwe and Beyond,” the expo featured 15 exhibitors showcasing innovations with potential for upscaling and commercialisation.
Speaking at the event, MSUAS Acting Vice Chancellor and University Librarian, Mr Amato Makandwa, praised the expo as a strategic platform aligned with the Heritage-based Education 5.0 philosophy, which seeks to empower university students through innovation and the production of goods and services.
“This expo is engrained in our Education 5.0 approach and embodies the spirit of research, innovation, and sustainable development in Zimbabwe. Innovation is the driving force behind progress. It empowers us to address real challenges, particularly those related to sustainable development. It is our responsibility to harness our intellectual resources and creativity to create solutions that are not only effective but sustainable,” said Mr. Makandwa.
The campus buzzed with activity as student innovators and academic professionals presented projects designed to address real-world challenges.
From sustainable soap and detergent production to value-added food innovations such as Manica Yoghurt, the exhibits demonstrated MSUAS’s commitment to industrial relevance and community impact.
Students from the Faculty of Applied Science and Technology stood out with a robust lineup of digital innovations, including an automated car parking system and a smart platform tailored to address Zimbabwe’s traffic management challenges.
Other notable projects included a sustainable biomass cooking stove, a driver sleep detection system, and marmalade lemon jam production.
The event was attended by MSUAS Principal Officers, Executive Deans, Directors, staff, and students, who all lauded the initiative as a bold step toward nurturing a culture of innovation and enterprise.
