Drawing from key insights gained at last year’s #DeepTechSummit including corporate Research & Development strategies, government policies, infrastructure development, academic partnerships, and ecosystem funding mechanisms. @TIVFutureLab, in collaboration with the @STIsecretariat, has begun laying the groundwork for a thriving Deep Tech ecosystem in Uganda. This Thursday, we will engage stakeholders in the #DeepTech ecosystem, followed shortly by the unveiling of the National #DeepTechCentre of Excellence at Namanve Business Park. This Centre is designed to catalyze the commercialization of advanced technologies such as AI, Big Data, and Edge Computing, driving innovative solutions to systemic challenges in agriculture, manufacturing, education, service delivery, and climate technology ultimately fueling socio-economic transformation across Uganda and beyond. Together with the @STIsecretariat, we are committed to creating high-impact entrepreneurial opportunities powered by breakthroughs in biotechnology, e-mobility, Industry 4.0, and industrial value chains across sectors like agriculture. By fostering innovation at the intersection of science, technology, and entrepreneurship, we aim to position Uganda as a regional leader in #DeepTech-driven transformation.

A new report on the state of entrepreneurship in Uganda indicates that the country’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) constitute 90% of the private sector, contribute 75% to GDP, and employ over 3 million people. The latest National Entrepreneurship Index reveals that Uganda scored 57%, reflecting a moderately healthy entrepreneurial ecosystem driven by strong ambition and attitudes of entrepreneurs. The Index assesses the business environment across eight dimensions, including skills development, technology adoption, and financial stability. Access the full detailed report 👉

Uganda’s startup ecosystem this year is set for transformative growth! From DeepTech breakthroughs to the maturing gig economy, innovation is shaping our future. At #TheVillage, we’re proud to fuel this journey. Read our 2025 predictions for Uganda’s startup ecosystem and discover what lies ahead #UgandaStartups

Happy New Year! 2024 was nothing short of transformative bold ideas, groundbreaking initiatives, and impactful collaborations that defined our year. Review our 2024 highlights via: Here’s to more innovation, growth, and impact in 2025!

Yesterday, we were excited to host the #AgriSolar #DemoDay, this year’s final event of the #AgriSolarAcceleratorProgram. The event provided participating startup founders with the opportunity to present their innovative solutions and pitch their ideas to a carefully curated panel of judges and potential investors, highlighting strategic pathways to scale and secure critical resources for growth. It also served as a platform for building valuable connections with local VCs and strategic partners.

Across Africa, the gap between groundbreaking academic research and real-world application remains one of the continent’s greatest untapped opportunities. Each year, universities and research institutions generate a wealth of insights, solutions, and prototypes addressing critical challenges in healthcare, agriculture, technology, and more. Yet, too often, these innovations fail to transition from the lab to the marketplace, leaving their immense potential unrealized. So, how can African research be transformed into market-ready solutions that drive innovation and socio-economic growth? This is where our partnership with @Makerere University on the #Research2Industry (#R2I) initiative becomes a pivotal intervention. Designed as a transformative platform, #R2I aims to reimagine how African research institutions contribute to socio-economic growth by translating academic insights into impactful, market-ready solutions. Through the #R2I Platform, we intend to provide a collaborative infrastructure that fosters innovation, shared resources that streamline the journey from research to commercialization, and funding mechanisms that remove barriers and accelerate impact. These efforts are aimed at positioning African research institutions as global leaders in innovation and problem-solving. The timing of this initiative could not be more ideal. It aligns with both the #NationalDevelopmentPlan III and @Makerere University’s strategic goals which emphasize the urgent need for a research-led, innovation-driven approach to economic growth. By leading the #R2I Platform, we will capitalize on this momentum, leveraging shared infrastructure and structured commercialization processes. This will enable @Makerere University to access a collaborative ecosystem that addresses pressing challenges while transforming research into tangible societal benefits. This initiative represents a bold step forward in unlocking the potential of African research to drive transformative change and create a lasting impact across the continent and beyond.

#OurJourneyofBecoming… What began in 2015 as the dream of a small team, driven by a singular purpose to bring ideas to life and tackle societal challenges through innovation, has grown into a transformative force shaping the African innovation ecosystem. From the outset, we have focused on building a sustainable start-up ecosystem by creating pathways that foster a culture of innovation, drive technology adoption, encourage collaboration, strengthen resilient infrastructure, and promote inclusive entrepreneurial growth. This journey has been marked by failure, challenges ,and relentless determination to create meaningful impact. With the support of impactful partnerships and groundbreaking ventures like @MotivUG and #FutureLab, we remain resolute in orchestrating change by reshaping opportunities and empowering Africa to architect its own future. #TheVillageStory

Annually, KPMG, Nation Media Group, and other partners collaborate on the #Top100SMEsSurvey to spotlight the resilience, innovation, and excellence of Uganda's SMEs. The 2024 survey report, launched today, under the theme “Empowering SMEs for a Monetized Uganda: Catalyzing Growth through Innovation, Sustainability, and Market Access,” projects the pivotal role SMEs play in driving economic transformation and strengthening Uganda’s position in the global market. This year’s report focuses on the exceptional performance of SMEs across Uganda, showcasing their innovative solutions, persistent challenges, and opportunities for growth. It also explores strategies to improve market performance, optimize profits, and expand market share, while addressing critical issues such as access to financing and new market opportunities. Key takeaways from the Survey Report 1. 70% of SMEs have been operational for over six years, demonstrating their resilience, although this is slightly down from 75% in 2022. Ugandan-owned businesses now account for 70% of the total, marking a 7% increase from last year, while foreign-owned businesses have decreased by 2%. Additionally, 81% of SME owners actively manage daily operations, an improvement from 76% in 2023, with family involvement remaining strong in management roles. 2. High taxes, competition, and limited working capital remain the primary challenges faced by businesses. Funding issues are prominent, with 75% of businesses citing delayed customer payments, 43% facing stringent supplier credit terms, and 43% struggling to secure funding for investments in additional assets. 3. Regional markets, particularly Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania, continue to be attractive destinations for expansion, with 34% of businesses planning strategic partnerships within the East African Community (EAC). Nearly half (49%) of SMEs are prepared to expand into other African markets, compared to 41% targeting markets outside the continent. 4. While savings remain the most common source of startup capital, their usage has declined to 72% from 77% in 2023. Bank loans and founder savings continue to be the primary sources for funding business expansion. 5. Technology and Innovation adoption among SMEs stands at 58%, representing a slight decline from the previous year. Platforms such as the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing System (EFRIS) have seen significant uptake. Innovation remains a priority, with six in 10 businesses developing or adopting new technologies, products, or services. 6. Future growth strategies include a medium- to long-term focus on listing on the stock exchange, with 21% of SMEs considering this option, consistent with last year’s figures. Among those considering listing, many plan to do so within the next two to three years. Through the #TitanProgram, implemented by #FutureLab, SMEs will receive targeted support to address gaps in innovation, policy alignment, operational efficiency, and strategic growth. This initiative is designed to enhance their capacity to scale, innovate, and access new markets, positioning them as industry leaders and vital contributors to a monetized Uganda. #Top100SMEs2024

If you haven’t joined our #AICustomerReview webinar yet, now is the perfect time! Click 👉to be part of this engaging session designed to help you turn customer feedback into actionable insights and strategic opportunities for business growth. Don’t miss the chance to gain practical tips on analyzing feedback, identifying key trends, and fostering stronger, more meaningful connections with your customers.

Uganda stands at a crossroads. With only 22% of the population possessing basic digital skills and AI set to add $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030 (PwC), the question is clear: How do we leap forward without leaving anyone behind? Watch @colmug share some insights on Uganda's readiness to harness #AI from a #DigitalEconomy perspective. Our take: It’s time for bold, inclusive action. Strategic capacity building, strategic partnerships, investment in digital infrastructure, and forward-looking policies are essential. To get insights on the #Report download the report via: … @TC_Insights #DigitalInclusion #DigitalEconomyPractice

Yesterday, we kicked off a three-day #AgriSolar #InvestmentReadinessBootcamp, designed to equip innovators in the AgriSolar sector with the skills and strategies needed to navigate the investment landscape successfully. The bootcamp is focused on supporting founders refine their business models for scalability, develop comprehensive financial plans with clear growth projections, and craft persuasive investment pitches. Additionally, the program emphasizes building strong investor relationships, understanding funding priorities, and mastering negotiation tactics to ensure entrepreneurs can secure the resources needed to scale their ventures effectively. #AgriSolarProgram #FutureLab #AgriSolar

Technology, no matter how basic or advanced, is only as effective as the educators who bring it to life in the classroom. To bring this to context, teachers are the critical link between digital tools and meaningful learning, providing the context, creativity, and inspiration that enable students to engage with technology in ways that foster growth and understanding. Today on #EdTechMondays, we explore best practices for integrating technology in classroom, highlighting strategies and innovations that empower educators to unlock the full potential of #EdTech in hard-to-reach communities. Catch us Live on @ntvuganda at 6:00pm

This week, we bring you an exciting series of transformative events you won’t want to miss. Join our #InvestmentReadinessBootcampwebinars to learn how to transform potential into investable opportunities and take part in the #AICustomerFeedbackReview session to uncover how to turn raw data into actionable insights that drive meaningful impact. Also, don’t forget to tune in to @ntvuganda for the November episode of #EdTechMondays, where we will dive into innovative strategies and best practices to support educators in hard-to-reach communities. Join us!

While the world races into the digital age, millions of children in Africa remain locked out of its opportunities. Factors such as limited digital literacy, unavailability of devices, and inadequate digital infrastructure deepen the education gap, particularly for learners in rural and marginalized communities. In Uganda, the stark divide between those with access to the digital world and those without is more than a technological disparity but a chasm that threatens to perpetuate cycles of poverty and inequality for our young population. This month on #EdTechMondays show, we provide answers to questions:- How can #EdTech serve as the bridge that spans this divide? How can it transform the future for millions of young learners whose only barriers to success are access and opportunity? Catch us live next Monday on @ntvuganda at 6:00pm #EdTechMondaysUganda #EdTechLab

Customer feedback has evolved from a passive afterthought to a powerful, dynamic tool that shapes strategy, fuels innovation, and drives business growth. However, the vast data volume, complexity, and diversity of this feedback often exceeds the capacity of traditional analysis methods. This is where artificial intelligence (#AI) becomes a game-changer, unlocking the potential to transform raw data into actionable insights and strategic opportunities. From analyzing patterns, sentiments, and trends within customer feedback to uncovering unmet needs, identifying customer painpoints, and revealing emerging preferences. #AI driven insights provide a competitive edge, enabling businesses to remain agile and deliver products and services that truly resonate with their audiences. To equip your business with these capabilities, we are thrilled to invite you to join our #AIWebinarSeries, hosted in partnership with @ceosummituganda, and Deep Analytics. This session, happening online on November 27th, is designed to explore how AI tools can transform customer data into actionable strategies that empower businesses to innovate, adapt, and thrive in today’s competitive markets Sign-up Now👉

Yesterday, marked a major milestone for #InnovationVillage and @Makerere University! We signed a Memorandum of Understanding to reimagine research translation and commercialization in Uganda. What does this mean? We’re set to unlock the power of Makerere’s research to solve real-world problems, drive industries forward, and transform society. To put this into context, think about how Stanford’s research helped birth Silicon Valley or how MIT bridges labs to industries globally. Through our #ResearchtoIndustry Platform, we aim to bridge the gap between Makerere’s academic brilliance and the marketplace. Together, we will; - Equip students with future-ready skills for the workforce of tomorrow. - Bring innovations from the lab to market faster. - Attract investment, create jobs, and drive Uganda’s economic growth. As stated by our Future Lab Lead @ajmukembo, “Research alone doesn’t change the world, its application does. This partnership is about more than just research, it’s about creating solutions that matter for industries like healthcare, agriculture, and climate action, and positioning Uganda as a leader in global innovation. Makerere has built a legacy, and we are excited to supercharge it. #Innovation #ResearchToIndustry