The African Centre of Excellence in Internet of Things has on 18th to 19th May 2023 exhibited their programs and innovative projects during the launch of Grand Challenges Rwanda, an initiative which aims at supporting research and development through collaboration to promote excellence and evidence-based innovations.

The launch was organized by the National Council for Science and Technology (NCST).

During the launch, the African Centre of Excellence has exhibited its different programs offered at Master |& PhD levels, professional short courses as well as staff and students’ innovations that are meant to address different challenges that the society is still facing.

During the launch, the call for proposals to provide funding to researchers and innovators in the country was made.

Dr. Eugene Mutimura, the Executive Secretary of the NCST, stated that the call for proposals focuses on funding researchers and innovators with projects in life and health sciences, climate-resilient agriculture and food security, and climate change and resilience.

He emphasized the importance of focusing on critical areas, citing that 65% of the 115 previously supported projects centered around agriculture and food security.

The five-year strategy, spanning from 2023 to 2028, outlines the need for Rwf2 billion to fund scientists with problem-solving proposals through Grand Challenges Rwanda. The initiative will seek funding from various sources, including the government, public-private partnerships, philanthropic organizations, and international development agencies.