Four Industrial Design & Technology Students Win WIP Day Botswana Innovation Competition
Four University of Botswana (UB) Industrial Design and Technology students in the Faculty of Engineering and Technology proved to be a cut above the rest after they emerged victorious at the World Intellectual Property (IP) Day Botswana Innovation Competitions held at Ba Isago University on the 26th of April 2024.
Wedu Albert won first prize and total amount of P10 000 while the trio of Reginald Itiseng, Obakeng Maleke and Tlamelo Tumedi won second prize and P7000. Wedu designed a Soil Sample Collecting Machine. The machine ensures accurate soil sampling to meet diverse farming needs, delivering results to the user for analysis and informed decision-making.
On the other hand, second prize winners designed a Push Assist Pro Machine. The machine is an innovative electronic shopping aid that is designed to address Sustainable Development Goals Nine and Eleven (SDGs 9 & 11) by promoting sustainable infrastructure resilient cites and responsible consumption and production. The product enhances the shopping experience for individuals living with lower limb physical impairments, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis, thereby boosting their self-esteem.
Other UB Industrial Design and Technology students who took part in the competitions were Tefo Mokaro and Moitshephi Lucky who developed an Organic Fertilizer Granulator Machine as well as Kerapetse Kehakgametse and Jaden Movirimi who participated in Arts Illustrations. Tefo and Moitshephi’s machine reduces waste generation, optimises resource usage, and promotes recycling.
The competition attracted innovators from various institutions and universities. The projects were evaluated based on their depiction of SDGs, manufacturing cost, durability, the problem addressed, potential for employment and commercialisation.