BDC, BITRI sign memorandum
Botswana Development Corporation Managing Director, Cross Kgosidiile has said the new partnership with BITRI, will propel the country further towards its grand plan of becoming a knowledge based economy. BDC, an investment arm of government and Botswana Institute for Technology and Innovation (BITRI), which is responsible for developing appropriate technology solutions in line with national priorities and needs of the country, recently penned down a Memondum of Understand.
“Our partnership is driven by a shared vision of steering Botswana toward a knowledge-based economy, where knowledge, information, and intellectual assets become primary drivers of growth and development. By collaborating on proposal ideation and focusing on the commercialisation of BITRI's research and development projects, we aim to ensure that the innovations and technologies developed through BITRI's efforts find their way into the market, generating value and impact for our nation,” said Kgosidiile during the signing ceremony in Gaborone.
Furthermore, the BDC boss highlighted that the MoU represents the starting of a new era characterised by collaboration, ingenuity, and a shared commitment to driving technological advancement and fostering innovation. The agreement is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), specifically Goal 9 which focusses on industry, innovation, and infrastructure. “Investing in cutting-edge technologies and nurturing a culture of innovation positions Botswana as an attractive destination for global investors seeking opportunities in a dynamic and forward-looking environment which aligns with our Vision 2036 national aspirations to attain a high-income status and diversify our economy,” added Kgosidiile.
Speaking at the same event, BITRI Chief Executive officer Professor, Shedden Masupe thanked the BDC for coming on board to create ‘an environment where ground breaking ideas and research can flourish and grow into tangible and commercial ventures’. He further noted that it is through such partnerships that silos in the innovation ecosystem can be broken. “Innovation ecosystem exists in Botswana. What has been lacking is cohesion which is important to bring innovative ideas into commercial products,” said Masupe.
The MoU will also provide for the collaboration and consideration of funding the commercialisation aspect of BITRI’s Research and Development output. Among other things, the agreement encompasses collaboration on proposal ideation, screening and approval of potential licensees and assignees of BITRI technologies, providing a crucial pathway for funding and empowering entrepreneurs and businesses to leverage these technologies for the greater benefit of our society.