Soroti university has strengthened its innovation ecosystem by establishing a Technology and Innovation Support Centre (TISC) to boost research.
The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), a national focal point office for Technology and Innovation Support Centre (TISC) project in Uganda launched the 40th centre at Soroti university on the 9th of April 2026.
Mr. Ambrose Ekaju, Commissioner Finance and Administration at URSB who represented the Registrar General at the launch giving his remarks.
This centre, referred to as SUN-TISC is part of a national and global initiative aimed at boosting research, innovation and intellectual property (IP) support to provide access to patent databases and scientific information, helping researchers check if ideas already exist to avoid plagiarism ( avoid duplication), supporting innovation, research, and commercialization and offering training in IP protection and technology development.
The program supported and facilitated by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) was launched in 2009 in Uganda to build a culture of innovation. The TISC program provides innovators with access to locally based, high quality technology information and Intellectual Property (IP) related services.
Prof J.R Ikoja the VC Soroti university, the RCC Soroti city Mr. Chemutai Small and Prof. Dr. John Kabasa cut the cake during the launch. Looking on is Mr. Ekaju Ambrose of URSB.
This will enhance student-led innovation, especially in fields like artificial intelligence by providing a platform for practical solutions to real-world problems, strengthen collaboration with national innovation bodies and universities. This will also help build on existing initiatives like the university’s ICT innovation hub and research programs
During the launch, students presented projects such in AI-powered court transcription systems, smart agriculture tools (e.g., fruit sorting, IoT monitoring), digital learning platforms and e-commerce solutions among others.
The team from Soroti university and URSB pose for a group photo during the launch
The establishment of the TISC at Soroti University is a major step toward turning the institution into a regional hub for technology development, research and innovation in Eastern Uganda.
Keynote speakers during the launch included Prof. Dr. John David Kabasa of Makerere University Innovation and Incubation Centre and Mr Gilbet Buregyeya of Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.