The BITRI 2022 i open day focuses on Commercialization
The Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation (BITRI) recently held its fourth Open Day since the inception of the organisation some eight years ago. As the focus of the event was commercialsation, the Chairperson of the BITRI Board of Directors, Mr. Edwin Elias said the ready-for-market technologies that the institute has developed have the potential to positively impact the lives of people. In the same vein, Mr. Elias added that the delivery of the relevant solutions bring esteem to the institution and the professionals involved.
The BITRI Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Shedden Masupe gave an overview of BITRI and its key projects. Through this overview, Prof. Masupe highlighted the importance of the institute in providing technology solutions to pertinent challenges, as well as the relevance of the institute to the Government of Botswana’s strategic objectives.
When delivering the Keynote Address, the Minister of Knowledge, Communications, and Technology Honourable Mr Thulaganyo Segokgo said “The intention of BITRI is to develop technologies that will be taken up. As consumers of the technologies, it is important that from time to time they meet with you and give you an update so that you can have the opportunity to engage with them and give them feedback. On that note let me mention that BITRI has a new Strategic Plan 2021-2026 that is commercialization-driven, in which they have identified a single unifying strategic goal of delivering measurable value to the economy and society of Botswana. To achieve this BITRI will accelerate product commercialization to drive social and economic impact.”
Minister Segokgo added that the BITRI Innovation Management Framework, which guides the institute’s commercialisation process was in alignment with the current BITRI strategic plan, the National Development Plan (NDP) 11, Vision 2036, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For emphasis, the Minister cited the Vision 2036 as one of the frameworks that seek to achieve growth by prioritising investment in innovation and research and development (R&D), while indigenising knowledge generation and preservation for the advancement of scientific research and the attendant socio-economic benefits.
After the opening ceremony, delegates were ushered through a tour of the divisional stalls and analytical laboratories to learn about specific technological solutions. Exhibitions included the BITRI-Process Research ORTECH (PRO) Nickel and Cobalt Extraction Scale-Up Project intended to extract nickel and copper salts from copper-nickel matte to produce high-quality battery-grade nickel sulfate; the Wireless Sensor Network project; the School Management, Matimela, Fleetell® Fleet Management System, and Motlhokomedi; the decision support manuals and processes developed by the Climate Change division, as well as the various solutions developed under the Energy division. In addition, the delegates were taken on a guided tour of key laboratory facilities, including the Centre for Material Science, the Additive Manufacturing laboratory, as well as the Biotechnology laboratory.
The Open day was graced by the senior officials from the parent ministry and other government functions, Members of the Diplomatic corps, executives from various sectors and enterprises, members of the BITRI Board of Directors, BITRI management and staff, as well as the media.
