UTAMU Has Lunched Africa Internet Of Things Challenge

Posted by: lukwago J in Tech July 20, 2021

In an effort to uplift startups and accelerate innovations among university students, Uganda Technology and Management University ( UTAMU) Research and Incubation City have launched Africa Internet of things (AIOT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) challenge.

UTAMU Founder Prof Venansius Baryamureeba says Africa AIOT and AI challenge comes with great opportunity.

It will make it easy for Ugandan participants to make contributions in Internet global space. They will also connect with the likes of Google and Facebook developers.

“The challenge brings to light a greater door with flood gates of opportunities to enhance Uganda’s digital space, skills, knowledge and expertise for us to embrace and participate in the 4th industrial revolution. Uganda will not be left behind as the rest of the world advances in virtualizing their spaces through the Internet of things and artificial intelligence,” Baryamureeba said.

According to him, Utamu is partnering with highly recognized experts. These they drew from the academia, public and private sectors as well as research, innovation and incubation hubs.

They will help to constitute the Uganda National Steering Committee to organise the challenge in Uganda. They will also have the grand finale winners in Dubai this December.

“We are extremely delighted to be part of this collaborative effort which is expected to expand the IOT and AI innovations at the national and regional ecosystems. It will provide young innovators and startups with technical and business capacity building through training boot camps, mentorship, suitable information resources and online workshops,” Byamureeba said.

“It is true that as a nation, Uganda is still young in the knowledge and application of new technologies. These include artificial intelligence and the Internet of things. These have been demonstrated during the covid 19 pandemic affecting many critical services like health, education and other economic activities,” he added.

What the ICT Minister said.

ICT and national guidance minister Chris Baryomunsi applauded UTAMU for the initiative. He said Africa IOT and AI challenge 2021 is a great opportunity for Africa to take advantage of.

“It is an awakening opportunity which will bring to light and enhance various talents and the technical skills. These skills are vital to the creation and formation of critical thinkers and innovators in the field of science and technology. It is time for Uganda to dive into the deep end. Embrace the relevant different technologies, participate and capture the 4th industrial revolution and Digitalisation to effectively and efficiently, transform Uganda into global science and technology powerhouse,” he said.

He further said the challenge will play a key role in the realisation of the digital Uganda vision 2040. And also the 2030 global sustainable development agenda.

The latter highlights specific emphasis on sustainable development goals 17.

Baryomunsi also advised UTAMU to strengthen partnerships with the ministry of education and sports and ICT. This is to have active innovation and entrepreneurship clubs at foundation level.

The foundation levels are schools across the country. It will further help to spur innovation and entrepreneurship in our young people.

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