UNZA Launches First-Ever Innovation Challenge Under Theme “Unleash the Witty Innovator in You”
The University of Zambia (UNZA) has for the first time hosted the 2025 Innovation Challenge under the theme “Unleash the Witty Innovator in You,” attracting participation from 98 students across various disciplines, marking a historic milestone.
Following a rigorous pre-selection process, 20 students were shortlisted to present their innovations during a final pitch session.
From these, the top 10 were selected, and the top five received development support and cash prizes, with the first-place winners receiving K20,000, second place K15,000, third place K10,000, and fourth place K5,000. The Zambia Research and Development Center (ZRDC) also awarded each of the top five a certificate and a K1,000 cash prize.
Minister of Technology and Science, Hon. Felix C. Mutati, who officiated at the event, praised the students for their creativity and resilience.
Mr. Mutati noted that UNZA is evolving from being purely academic to becoming a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Mr. Mutati emphasized the need to create an ecosystem that supports innovators, encouraging students to embrace failure as a learning opportunity and to harness emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Robotics in addressing national challenges.
He further announced that the Ministry of Technology and Science would collaborate with UNZA to support the most promising projects through boot camps and mentorship.
Mr. Mutati challenged students to aspire to build “unicorn” start-ups private companies valued at over US$1 billion.
Meanwhile, UNZA Vice Chancellor, Professor Mundia Moya, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to research and innovation, stating that UNZA has a national responsibility to translate academic knowledge into commercial and social solutions.
He highlighted the university’s 2022–2027 Strategic Plan and the recent creation of the Directorate of Innovation, Technology Transfer and Commercialisation (DITTC) as key steps toward this goal.
Prof. Moya commended young innovators for developing ideas that could transform key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and employment.
And Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Professor Triawell Kalusopa, echoed these sentiments, noting that the challenge aligns with Zambia’s Vision 2030 and the Eighth National Development Plan.
Prof. Kalusopa emphasized the value of strategic partnerships with organizations like BongoHive and the National Technology Business Centre in supporting student-led innovation.
Among the top winners were Kangwa Mukuka, a third-year Computer Science student, and Festus Mwape, a Software Engineering student, whose innovation earned them first place and a K20,000 prize.
Other top performers included Niza Kalinda in second place, Memory Muputula a second-year Computer Science student and Evelyn Katebe a second year Midwifery student tied for third place, as well as Tasillah Phiri a physiotherapy student while Chipasha Mutale, who ranked among the top ten.
The winners expressed excitement and gratitude, describing the challenge as a life-changing experience.
They encouraged fellow students to pursue innovation as a way to solve real-world problems and to take advantage of platforms that showcase youth-driven solutions.