With a population continuing to grow above 3 percent and 78 percent of it aged below 35, the high number of young people demands stronger development focus particularly with regard to business and employment opportunities.
This, however, cannot happen unless proper research is conducted to ensure the success of an idea or business since it is the research function that provides a platform for creativity and innovation to flourish young people’s business ideas.
Mandated to engage in applied research and other activities such as value addition that will result in rapid industrialization of Uganda, Uganda Industrial Research Institute translates applied research results into practical applications that lead to high quality efficient industrial products, processes and creates highly skilled human resources.
Typical case studies of incubated startups that have benefited from UIRI include; the prestigious Mega Milk, Lira peanut processing plant, Amagara Skincare Limited, the Mushroom Training and Resource Center (MTRC) among others.
What is done at Uganda Industrial Research Institute?
Business Incubation: This involves nurturing of business startups to ensure their survival and self-sustainability. This process is a purely an open call where different enterprises present their business proposals in writing, applying to Uganda Industrial Research, through the Executive Director, Prof Charles Kwesiga. The successful businesses then go through the necessary trainings in the business areas of interest. It is after business training that businesses apply for incubation. A business can have up to two years of incubation at the research Institute.
Challenges like shortage of working space was solved by the institute by developing time schedules for the different businesses in production.
Currently, UIRI is housing production and processing plants of very successful brands of milk products (Yoghurt and Ice cream), Bakeries, Meat products, coffee processing, paper pilot plant and Avocado modification and processing and Mushroom processing.
UIRI also offers business consultancy and Advisory services in Business management, ICT, Packaging, Branding and marketing to entrepreneurs and to the general public.
Analytical Laboratory Services: The institute has a provision for analytical services for product development, validation of product quality and product refinement. The laboratories include; (1) the UNBS analytical laboratory where standardized and globally acceptable equipment can be found and other Ugandan developed equipment awaiting approval to be taken into the market after certification by relevant authorities, (2) the Biotechnology laboratory where Micro Biology and Molecular Biology research is carried out. This laboratory covers research on areas like DNA, genes and hereditary traits and (3) the Chemistry laboratory where research on food products, aflatoxins, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and toiletries is done. One should note that the research institute also provides checks for the levels of aflatoxins in food exports at a very low cost.
These laboratories have the latest technology and the provision of being able to test and research, is an added advantage.
Skills Training: UIRI offers hands-on training to boost local and community enterprise development for renewable energy technologies, food processing, laundry and cosmetics, weaving and textiles, Bamboo processing, carpentry, metal fabrication, minerals and material processing.
Value Addition and Product Development: Innovative product development for rural enterprise development in order to transform local raw materials into competitive marketable products.
UIRI also engages in collaborative partnerships, Business to Business Networking and participation in various platforms such as exhibitions, trade fairs, workshops and seminars.
Intervention of the Uganda Industrial Research Institute is key in entrepreneurial development in Uganda in the drive to Middle-Income status.
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