Two BIUST students make a mark with innovation
Two young innovators, Kamogelo Millicent Mmereki from Sebina and Bame Joy Rrammala of Mochudi, are living proof that brilliance does not discriminate on age and gender. The two teenagers have conceptualised a toilet seat mat that eliminates microbial growth. “We were motivated by unhygienic public toilets so we wanted to create something that protects public toilet users from infection especially us females,” Rrammala tells The Midweek Sun in an interview. This innovation led to them being shortlisted for the FemBioBiz as regional finalists. Mmereki completed her BGCSE at Tutume McConnell College while Rrammala went to Gaborone Secondary School. Mmereki and Rramala are prospective graduates in BSc Biology and Biotechnology at BIUST. The two say that their journey as innovators has been insightful and interesting but admit that in the beginning, it was difficult to make people visualise what they had in mind. “But with the right people, our mentors, we were able to cook up something in the lab,” Mmereki says. Rramala adds that the whole process of being selected for Samfebio through the support of Botswana Innovation Hub was insightful. “We were able to learn more about the business side of innovation and not only relying on what we know from the lab. “We expanded intellect because we met and conversed with different people in different fields and different ideas. We were also able to network and form contacts with the different people. It was inspiring to see women in Bio-Sciences and it recognised that we are a force to reckon with.” Mmereki and Rramala concede that innovation is not embraced in Botswana. “Most people find it hard to conceptualise some innovative ideas and therefore as innovators we lose initiative. There are no policies set up to encourage or support innovation in Botswana; we acknowledge BIH and its hand in supporting innovators but more needs to be done.” Mmereki says that Botswana needs platforms that encourage or motivate young researchers to not only carry out research but also be able to commercialise their products. “These platforms should allow us to explore the economic potential of our innovations. We need intellectual property protection in our different institutions. This will encourage innovators to freely develop products.” With regard to young innovators who are trying to make their mark, Rramala advises that it is important to gather as much information on intellectual property protection. “Take time to explore the different innovation institutions in Botswana such as BIH and find out how they can help. “Read more on the different technologies that can be used in whatever product you want to develop. Be patient, confident and believe in the success of your idea or innovation.” The two agree that the highlight of their innovation journey thus far was being part of the SA Innovation Summit. “Seeing different products and how different institutions especially private funders play a role in the success of innovation in a country” marked the highlight of their journey.