Who we are
The Mukuba University Innovation Pod otherwise known as the UniPod is the first ever dedicated space in Zambia to innovation that combines the expertise from academia and provides young innovators with state-of-the-art and modern equipment and advanced software for their ideation and prototyping.
The UniPod is an initiative under a broader United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) initiative known as timbuktoo which is $1 billion innovation fund aimed at backing African startups. Timbuktoo is an ambitious program which promises to ignite a wave of entrepreneurial success, empowering groundbreaking ideas and reshaping Africa’s economic landscape. Currently, there are thirteen (13) UniPods across Africa and plans are underway to inaugurate 3 more pods in 2024.
UniPod Objectives
The overall objective of the UniPod is to create the platform for young people in their university years who are particularly apt to engage in creative and bold thinking, while they are still immersed in learning, absorbing great amounts of knowledge, and eager to find their place in the world. Additionally, the UniPod aims to increase female representation within the innovation ecosystem by ensuring that 50% of innovators in each programme are female.
The specific objectives of the UniPod are:
Pod Spaces
The Mukuba UniPod has three main spaces which support innovators at any point between ideation through to prototyping. These spaces are equipped cutting-edge hardware and advanced software which address majority of the challenges that innovators face in their journey such as; the high cost of equipment and paid for software subscriptions, limited access to high powered equipment and mentorship and guidance in the usage of certain equipment and application to their prototypes. In addition to the equipment, the spaces are manned by trained academic and industry experts who have a plethora of knowledge and experience in the various rooms of the UniPod.
Design Lab
The Design Lab is a large and inviting space within the Pod that has multiple uses these include; group sessions, discussions and presentations, as well as areas for teams to collaborate on design concepts on whiteboards to visualise their ideas. In addition, the Design Lab avails innovators with high-power design computers with specialized design software such as SolidWorks.
Makerspace
The Mukuba UniPod makerspace is designed to enable innovators to iteratively develop working prototypes and pilots of their ideas using modern digital fabrication machines and tools. The Makerspace is manned by experienced faculty staff and industry experts with assistance of student interns developing their innovation projects.
Collab Space
The Collab space is a multi-purpose playful and creative space, infused with art and creativity, and located centrally in the UniPod as a place for both group project work, but also networking events, talks, and meetings, as well as weekly product demo sessions, training events, and other community and collaboration building events.
With a focus on providing practical tools, mentorship, and a supportive community, the UniPod is dedicated to transforming innovative ideas into reality. Visitors can explore its dynamic programs, tour its facilities, and engage in a range of creative activities, making the UniPod a vital gateway to innovation and entrepreneurial success.