By: Kanto Kai Okanta
Namibia has taken another
step towards strengthening its research, innovation and intellectual property
ecosystem with the official launch of the National Commission on Research,
Science and Technology (NCRST) Technology and Innovation Support Centre (TISC)
Desk.
The new platform, launched
at the Franco-Namibia Cultural Centre (FNCC) in Windhoek, is designed to
provide researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs with improved access to
patent information, scientific research resources and intellectual property
support services.
The NCRST TISC Desk becomes
the second Technology and Innovation Support Centre established in Namibia,
following the launch of the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST)
TISC in 2023.
The launch event brought
together representatives from government, academia and national institutions to
highlight the importance of TISCs in supporting innovation, technology
development and knowledge transfer across the country.
Opening remarks were
delivered by NCRST Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Dr Anicia Peters, who
highlighted the importance of strengthening national research and innovation
systems to support Namibia’s development goals.
Dr Nhlanhla Lupahla also
provided an overview of NCRST’s research, science, technology and innovation
programmes and their contribution to Namibia’s Sixth National Development Plan
(NDP6).
During the event, NCRST
Manager for Knowledge Management, Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer
Moses M. Moses presented an overview of the operations and objectives of the
new TISC Desk.
David Shatiwa, Manager for
Trademark Registrations at the Business and Intellectual Property Authority
(BIPA), discussed the socio-economic importance of TISCs in Namibia, while
Prof. Alex Kanyimba, Director of Innovation, Grant Management and Consultancy
at the International University of Management (IUM), highlighted opportunities
for collaboration within higher education institutions.
Dr Valerie Garises, Director
of Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship at NUST, shared experiences from
the university’s TISC operations, including achievements and challenges, while
Sakeus Angala, VET Programmes Officer at the Namibia Training Authority (NTA),
discussed the relevance of TISC services within the technical and vocational
education and training sector.
The keynote address from the
Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, Dr Sanet
Steenkamp, was delivered on her behalf by Prof. Dr Anicia Peters, who also
officially launched the NCRST TISC Desk.
The programme was moderated
by Selma Fortunato, Senior Programme Officer in the Knowledge Management,
Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Division at NCRST, with closing
remarks delivered by Hilya Shikongo, Acting General Manager for Innovation and
Technology at NCRST.
NCRST said the establishment
of the TISC Desk reflects its continued commitment to advancing research and
innovation, strengthening technology transfer and improving Namibia’s capacity
to protect, manage and commercialise intellectual property.
The initiative is expected
to provide critical support for innovators and researchers while contributing
to the development of a stronger knowledge-based economy and sustainable
socio-economic growth in Namibia.
