UNIMA UNVEILS ENGINE FOR INNOVATION: TTO NEARS COMPLETION
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Malawi (UNIMA), Dr. Sunduzwayo Madise, says the university has made a major milestone towards establishing a Technology Transfer Office (TTO). The initiative is designed to boost its ability to commercialize innovations and research, turning university discoveries into meaningful social and economic benefits.
Speaking during a workshop held at Nalipiri in Mulanje on 28th January, 2026 attended by the senior university management, Dr. Madise described the development as a significant moment in UNIMA’s journey to become a leading engine of knowledge creation, technological advancement, and national development.
He said establishing a TTO is not simply an administrative exercise but a strategic imperative for any modern research university saying the TTO will ensure that the knowledge, creativity, and discoveries generated within the institution are protected, nurtured, and translated into meaningful social and economic impact.
Dr. Madise highlighted that the mandate of the TTO has already been incorporated into the University’s recent functional review, underscoring UNIMA’s institutional commitment to innovation and commercialisation.
He cited the innovation by Ms. Aliah Umali, the Life-Saving Health Monitor for Pregnant Women, as a powerful example of the life-changing potential within the UNIMA community.
As a premier university in Malawi, UNIMA enjoys a growing international presence of innovators, with students and staff participating in global innovation platforms, and has established the Food Innovation and Technology Hub (FiT-Hub), which is already serving as a catalyst for new ideas, prototypes, and partnerships.
The National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST), through Mr Isaac Chingota, Director of Innovation, Technology Transfer and Commercialisation, and Mr Thomas Kaluvi, Senior Technology Transfer Officer, provided unwavering technical guidance throughout the establishment of the TTO.
The establishment of the Technology Transfer Office supports the UNIMA Strategic Plan by strengthening research commercialization and industry linkages, while advancing Malawi 2063’s vision of science and innovation led development through translating university research into tangible social and economic impact.
