Uganda's emerging generation of engineers is stepping confidently into frontier technologies, unveiling innovations in artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), renewable energy, smart mobility, and advanced systems design at the forthcoming grand finale of the 2026 University Engineering Innovation Bootcamp.
The initiative, implemented under the LIF community projects and supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering, is a free, volunteer-led programme run by alumni of the Africa Prize and Leaders in Innovation Fellowship (LIF).
The alumni--now founders and industry leaders--mentor young engineers to transform research-driven ideas into scalable ventures.
The bootcamp attracted 150 teams from leading universities and technical institutions across Uganda. Following a rigorous selection process, 30 semi-finalists were shortlisted, with 13 teams advancing to the 2026 grand finale set for tomorrow, February, 17 at the Nakawa ICT Hub in Kampala.
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Launched in early December, the programme brought together ambitious students and recent graduates determined to convert engineering concepts into market-ready solutions.
Over several weeks, participants underwent structured mentorship, industry engagement, and prototype development, resulting in functional minimum viable products (MVPs) across healthcare, agriculture, clean energy, and mobility.
Organisers describe the bootcamp as more than a competition, positioning it as a pipeline for high-value job creation, deep-tech entrepreneurship, and industrial capacity building.
By strengthening competencies in AI, IoT, advanced manufacturing, and energy systems, the programme aligns with Uganda's aspirations to build a workforce ready for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Beyond product development, the bootcamp emphasises venture building, systems thinking, and commercialisation strategies. Each finalist team represents potential growth in skilled employment across AI development, hardware engineering, IoT deployment, renewable energy installation, and technical services.
Organisers project that by 2030, startups nurtured through the programme could generate up to 150,000 jobs, strengthening Uganda's local manufacturing capacity and research-to-market pipeline. The bootcamp is scheduled to run annually to sustain innovation momentum.
The top five teams will each receive shs 1,000,000 and complimentary co-working space at the National ICT Hub and Hive Colab. They will also undergo eight months of advanced prototyping and product development in partnership with Lwera Electronics and Semiconductors.
The 13 Finalist Teams
CardioSense
Lead: Christian Omara | Kyambogo University
An AI-powered platform enabling rapid detection of myocardial infarction, designed to help non-specialist health workers act quickly and improve survival rates.
Kitech Solutions Limited
Lead: Ahaisibwe William | ISBAT University
A solar-powered, IoT-enabled crop dryer with remote monitoring via mobile applications and messaging platforms to reduce post-harvest losses.
Buyambi Care
Lead: Allen Nansiimbi | Makerere University
An AI-driven emergency response system that triages patients, provides first-aid guidance, and dispatches responders in low-connectivity environments.
DuoGnostix
Lead: Kamugisha Edson | Kyambogo University
A dual-mode diagnostic platform combining AI analytics and microscopy to improve malaria detection accuracy and reduce diagnostic overlap with typhoid.
PlacementBridge
Lead: Joronimo Amanya | Mbarara University of Science and Technology
An AI-powered employment platform delivering verified, real-time job opportunities for graduates.
Savemaama
Lead: Elizabeth Musiimenta | Makerere University
A distributed biogas system converting food waste into clean energy for apartments through a pay-as-you-use model.
Pathwell Innovations
Lead: Christine Ainembabazi | Kyambogo University
An AI-enabled health platform providing access to expert second medical opinions through local health facilities.
The Solar Maximizer
Lead: Akello Esther Okalany | Kyambogo University
A modular solar tracking system designed to boost panel efficiency by up to 40 percent in off-grid settings.
MaKa Transit
Lead: Nyamwiza Eustine K | Mbarara University of Science and Technology
A digital mobility platform offering bus booking, live route tracking, and fleet coordination tools.
Aedos
Lead: Winena Joann Jo | Kyambogo University
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A compact electric sanitary waste incinerator designed for safe, odour-free disposal in schools and workplaces.
Audiva
Lead: Ahabwe Clarissa | Ernest Cook University
An affordable AI-powered hearing device enhancing speech clarity while reducing background noise.
Move Safe Energy
Lead: Hope Asero | Kyambogo University
A portable EV motor power bank providing emergency backup energy for electric motorcycle riders.
Sol TANK
Lead: Akatuha Cohen Lindon | Mbarara University of Science and Technology
A solar-powered water purification and storage system delivering safe drinking water in off-grid communities.
The bootcamp was led by alumni mentors from the LIF and Africa Prize networks, headed by Anatoli Kirigwajjo, with co-leads Catalina Columbia and Kelvin from Kenya, alongside several industry session leaders.
A global judging panel comprising Henan Herman Wu, Raviteja Kulkarni, Katim Seringe Touray, Sudha Reddy, Vidhya Govindan, and Zhecheng Zhu provided international expertise across engineering, venture development, and emerging technologies.
