Uganda’s next generation of engineers is stepping into advanced technology, presenting innovations in artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy, smart mobility, and Internet of Things (IoT) systems at the 2026 University Engineering Innovation Bootcamp grand finale.
The event will take place on February 17 at the Nakawa ICT Hub in Kampala.
Building Future Engineers
The bootcamp is part of the Leaders in Innovation Fellowship (LIF) community projects and is supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering.
It is run by alumni of the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation and the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships programme.
These alumni, now founders and industry leaders, volunteer to mentor university students and recent graduates. Their goal is to help young engineers turn research ideas into real businesses.
From 150 Teams to 13 Finalists
The bootcamp attracted 150 teams from universities and technical institutions across Uganda.
After a competitive selection process:
30 teams were shortlisted as semi-finalists
13 teams advanced to the grand finale
The programme began in early December and included:
Structured mentorship
Industry engagement
Prototype development
Business and commercialisation training
Participants developed working minimum viable products (MVPs) in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, renewable energy, and transport.
Innovation With Economic Impact
Organisers say the bootcamp is more than a competition. It is a platform for:
Deep-tech entrepreneurship
Skilled job creation
Industrial capacity building
Research-to-market transformation
By strengthening skills in AI, IoT, advanced manufacturing, and energy systems, the initiative supports Uganda’s goal of preparing its workforce for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Organisers project that by 2030, startups nurtured through the programme could create up to 150,000 jobs.
Top Five Teams to Receive Support
The top five finalists will each receive:
Shs 1,000,000 in prize money
Free co-working space at the National ICT Hub and Hive Colab
Eight months of advanced prototyping and product development support
The product development phase will be carried out in partnership with Lwera Electronics and Semiconductors.
The 13 Finalist Innovations
The finalist teams are presenting solutions that address real challenges:
CardioSense – AI platform for rapid heart attack detection
Kitech Solutions – Solar-powered IoT crop dryer
Buyambi Care – AI emergency response system
DuoGnostix – AI-powered malaria diagnostic platform
PlacementBridge – AI-driven employment platform
Savemaama – Apartment-based biogas energy system
Pathwell Innovations – AI platform for medical second opinions
The Solar Maximizer – Solar tracking system improving panel efficiency
MaKa Transit – Digital bus booking and tracking system
Aedos – Electric sanitary waste incinerator
Audiva – AI-powered hearing device
Move Safe Energy – Portable EV motor power bank
SOL TANK – Solar-powered water purification and storage system
These projects span healthcare, agriculture, mobility, renewable energy, and digital services.
International Mentorship and Judging
The bootcamp is led by Ugandan mentor Anatoli Kirigwajjo, alongside co-leads Catalina Isaza Falla from Colombia and Kelvin Mulama from Kenya.
An international judging panel of engineers and venture experts will evaluate the projects, offering global expertise in technology and business development.
A Platform for the Future
Organisers say the bootcamp will become an annual programme to maintain innovation momentum.
By investing in young engineers today, Uganda is positioning itself to build a stronger innovation ecosystem, expand local manufacturing, and compete in emerging global technologies.
The grand finale is expected to highlight not only creative ideas, but also the country’s growing capacity to turn engineering research into real-world impact.
