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The University of Botswana (UB) innovation hub, UNIPOD, in partnership with Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital (SKMTH) and UB Clinic, recently spearheaded an intensive two-day event - 2025 UNLEASH Hackathon - aimed at developing innovative solutions to Botswana’s pressing public health challenges. The Hackathon was held at the UNIPOD premises on the 3rd and 4th of July 2025.

It was part of the UNIPOD’s initiatives aimed at developing innovative approaches in the national healthcare sector. This year’s edition brought together 20 local innovators who teamed up with public health experts to develop practical, scalable ideas to improve the country’s healthcare sector.

Speaking at the event’s opening, UNIPOD Associate Technology Transfer Officer, Mr Tebogo Ketshabile, described UNLEASH as a global initiative supported by the United Nations and designed to empower young people to develop innovative solutions aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). "This partnership is instrumental in mobilising young talent to address both global and local issues while accelerating progress on the SDGs," noted Ketshabile.

Participants were presented with two main challenge statements. The first was delivered by SKMTH Performance Analyst, Mr Kitso Sanoto, who raised concern about limited access to quality, secure health data. "Data availability is central to informed decision-making, research and effective public health responses," he stated. Mr Sanoto challenged participants to design tools and systems that supported comprehensive health data collection, access and utilisation.

The second challenge was delivered by Dr Pelonomi Mokokwe, a resident doctor at the UB Clinic, who highlighted the risks on Botswana’s over-reliance on imported medical devices and materials. Citing the COVID-19 pandemic as a wake-up call, she urged innovators to consider local manufacturing solutions. "Homegrown production is critical to safeguarding lives, especially in times of global crisis," she observed.

In his closing remarks, UNDP Botswana’s Programme Specialist for Economic Diversification and Inclusive Growth, Mr Johnson T. Maiketso, commended the participants for their courage and commitment. “As you begin conceptualising solutions, I urge you to be bold and visionary. Your ideas have immense potential to reshape Botswana’s public health landscape,” he said.