Announcement Details

Call for Innovations

Mulungushi University Innovation Fair 2026 (MUIF 2026) From Campus to Commercialization

1.  Introduction

Mulungushi University invites students, staff, researchers, and innovators to submit their innovations for the Mulungushi University Innovation Fair 2026 (MUIF 2026) to take place on the 2^nd November, 2026.

This Call for Innovations supports the University's goal to promote innovative research for development through the establishment of an Innovation Hub and Thematic Centres of Excellence. The best innovations will receive support to move from idea to market.

2.  What We Are Looking For

We want innovative solutions that are:

Ø  New and Creative: A fresh approach to a real problem.

Ø  Practical: Can be implemented realistically.

Ø  Scalable: Can grow and be used across Zambia and beyond.

Ø  Impactful: Makes a real difference to communities and the nation.

Ø  Commercializable: Has potential to become a product, service, or business.

3.  Thematic Areas

Submit your innovation under any of the following areas:

3.1  Aquaculture

Ø  Improved fish breeds and fingerlings

Ø  Affordable fish feeds

Ø  Fish health and disease management

Ø  Aquaculture systems and technologies

Ø  Fish processing and market access

3.2  Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Digital Innovation

Ø  AI for agriculture, health, education, or governance

Ø  Machine learning and data science

Ø  Local language technologies

Ø  Ethical AI and policy

Ø  AI-powered start-ups

3.3  Creative Digital & Media Innovation Ø Film, television, and animation

Ø  Music and audio production

Ø  Digital storytelling and content creation

Ø  Streaming and distribution platforms

Ø  Creative entrepreneurship

3.4  Health & Medical Technologies

Ø  Diagnostic and therapeutic tools

Ø  Low-cost medical technologies

Ø  Clinical research and innovation

Ø  Medical training and simulation

Ø  Mobile health and telemedicine

3.5  Honey Value Chain & Apiculture

Ø  Modern beekeeping technologies

Ø  Honey and beeswax processing

Ø  Product diversification

Ø  Quality testing and certification

Ø  Market access and export readiness

3.6  Integrated Automotive & Agro-Tech Ø Agricultural mechanisation

Ø  Farm machinery and equipment

Ø  Automotive systems and components

Ø  Smart agriculture and precision farming

Ø  Post-harvest technologies

Ø  Local manufacturing and fabrication

3.7  Energy Innovations

Ø  Off-grid and rural electrification

Ø  Renewable energy and grid stability

Ø  Energy efficiency and conservation

Ø  Petroleum supply chain Ø Cross-sector energy solutions

4.  Who Can Apply?

Ø  Students and researchers from Mulungushi University

Ø  Faculty and staff from all schools

Ø  Innovation teams (interdisciplinary teams encouraged)

Ø  Early-stage start-ups

Ø  Community innovators

Ø  SMEs and industry partners

5.  Benefits

Selected innovators will:

•        Showcase their innovation at MUIF 2026

•        Network with investors, industry leaders, and policymakers

•        Get support for commercialisation and IP management

•        Join the University Innovation Hub

6.  How to Apply

Submit your innovation to:

The Innovation and Commercialization Officer

Directorate of Research and Innovation Mulungushi University

Deadline: Friday, 9th October 2026

What to Submit:

1.     Innovation Summary: Brief description of your innovation (max 2 pages)

2.     Team Details: Names and contact information 3. Problem Statement: What challenge are you solving?

4.     Proposed Solution: How does your innovation work?

5.     Implementation Plan: How will you make it happen?

6.     Impact: What difference will it make?

7.     Commercialization Plan: How can it become a product or business?

Evaluation Criteria:

1.      Innovation & Originality (20%)

2.      Feasibility (20%)

3.      Impact & Scalability (20%)

4.      Commercialization Potential (20%)

5.      Alignment with National Priorities (10%)

6.      Community Engagement (10%)