The startups’ sphere in Uganda is not yet close to the Silicon Valley structure, but with multiple incubators and support schemes blooming up every now and then, the latter might be an achievement around the corner. We’ve seen hardware-centric apps like Matibabu and MScan taking the top slot in Africa and the Silver Bullet Development Program (SDP) is so far the best approach to breed more tangible powered startups in Uganda
Through the Silver Bullet Student Development Program (SDP) 2018 that came to a close at a public lecture featuring a keynote address by Professor Ayorkor Kosah, Head of the Computer Science Department at Ashesi University Ghana, Fundi bots partnered with Silver bullet to train over 30 university students from Makerere and Kyambogo to power up better innovations in line with robotic hardware
The 2018 SDP program was set out to strengthen the Science, Technology, Engineering and Innovation workforce by upskilling young developers & tech enthusiasts through supplemental activities, school outreach, and university after-school training programs. As a matter of fact, the Silver Bullet executive Director Maryanne Karamagi applauded the 2018 program as a motivational factor to students focused on engineering and science careers. However, with the current state of robotics powered startups in Africa, we may see more innovations rise up amidst the electric powered motors manufacture in Uganda
Robotics is defined as a branch of engineering that involves the conception, design, manufacture, and operation of robots. It overlaps with multiple academic disciplines including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, interaction design, and psychology. As per the learning structure at Fundi bots—an institution offering robotic courses and training for Ugandans as early as 6 years old, more creative innovations could rise up if the robotics are embraced in the right path taken by Silver Bullet and Fundi
During the public lecture, Prof. Kosah noted that in a rapidly transforming world, subjects such as robotics needed to be introduced into the curriculum to allow young people the opportunity to be part of defining the future. More so, with the current state of funders searching for promising startups to invest in, the future of robotics in Uganda could soon cross the line to futuristic innovations before IOT as the story is with Smart farming and Smart health in the country so far.
“With advancements in technology leading us towards things like artificial intelligence, learning and education remain important, now more than ever. Robotics training opens the minds of people encouraging them think of creative solutions to problems. This is what will shape the next generation of African entrepreneurs,” Prof Kosah
According to the National Planning Authority, 700,000 people join the job market every year but only 12% can be absorbed in the current job market, leaving 88% unemployed. But with the current Vaccum steered up by tech hubs, the rate could soon tremble down granting a green self-employment path to all young innovators who can now utilize robotic hardware for better solutions in the country.
