UGIRIE’s 2nd exhibition: UG to showcase over 40 innovations and research projects
Over 40 innovations and applied research projects will be on display this year at the University of Guyana as the Institute for Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (UGIRIE) hosts its second exhibition.
On Monday, the Director of UGIRIE, shared insights about this grand upcoming event.
According to UGIRIE Professor Pat Francis, these inventions serve as a great asset for economic pursuits and partnerships with the government.
“These innovations are important for us to stimulate our economy and for working in partnership with the Government of Guyana and the business sector because much has to be done to scale up some of the projects and to get the prototypes to the marketplace.”
Additionally, in a release by the university it was stated that the profession noted that this is a clear sign of the diversification in the students being trained at the institute.
File photo: A UG researcher showcasing how plastics and other aggregates could be used to make good quality concrete blocks at the inaugural UGIRIE Exhibition
“I want us to recognize that we are producing a different type of student as they are innovators and entrepreneurs. Our Institute is working on two platforms: one focused on generating innovation and the other on encouraging all staff and students to be entrepreneurial-minded,” Prof. Francis added.
Innovators are expected to showcase their work in Climate Smart Applications, Food Science Technology, Coconut Technology, Renewable Resources, Biotechnology Applications, ICT Applications, and newly published books, among others.
The selected innovations aim to stimulate scientific inquiry, promote business opportunities, and share UG’s research. Research is the second major mandate of the University, with the aim of solving problems and stimulating national development.
A UG researcher showcasing several types of aquaponics applications at the inaugural UGIRIE
The UGIRIE, established in 2021 as a Technology Transfer Facility (TTF), provides a platform for researchers and innovators within the University of Guyana and allied institutions to share new products and services with industry. The programs and courses offer practical approaches to establishing, accelerating, and scaling up businesses.
The Institute focuses on concepts grounded in sound science and technology. This supports UG Blueprint Goals 3 and 4, aiming to create centers of excellence to solve the grand challenges of Guyana and the region and to create successful citizens who are equipped to navigate complexity.
Additionally, the Institute was established to ensure that research is documented, scaled up, protected, and publicized. It also aims to provide solutions to problems in industry and commerce and to share new information in various areas of societal development.
The UGIRIE will be hosting its Second Exhibition of Innovations from October 17, to Saturday, October 19, at the University’s Multipurpose Centre at the Turkeyen Campus.
This highly anticipated three-day event will give University of Guyana’s researchers, students, entrepreneurs, and innovators an opportunity to showcase their work to the general public, collaborate with other researchers, explore business opportunities, and engage with potential sponsors.
The event will be largely face-to-face and is free and open to the general public from 10:00h to 17:00h and on Saturday, and 09:00h to midday.
