Technology minister urges innovators to work in an ecosystem

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Monica Musenero Masanza, has encouraged innovators to stop working in discretion and form networks so as to be exposed to opportunities and connections.

“For a long time, innovators have worked as discreet entities. Innovation works in an ecosystem, a network of things. They need a lot of connection but when they are alone, they don’t grow,” the minister said.

She was speaking to business trendsetters that gathered at Onomo Hotel in Nakasero at the annual Business Trends Expo which took place on 7^th February 2023.

The minister used the occasion to launch the upcoming 4^th Business Trendsetters Forum 2023.

“My message is for you to create a full network for us to support innovators who are going to drive the nation forward. Every innovation that doesn’t become a business is a dead innovation,” the minister further said.

Dr Musenero said that her ministry is fully committed and available to support innovators cross that bridge into commercialization. “We give advice, we have support services, we link them to the right entities that they need and we are going to start skilling them,” she said of what the ministry can offer to innovators.

Yvonne Mpanga, the organizer of the Business Trends Expo, said business startups should have an eye for both local and global markets. She explained that as business trendsetters, they are looking out for businesses that are exceptional and stand out.

Business Trends Expo has different businesses and innovations showcase their products and services and also provided a platform where different speakers shared their experiences and counsel.

Line Mirembe Pira, the director of Leap Publishers, noted that the world is looking for answers. “Each of you here is the answer to these problems in our society,” she elaborated.

Livingstone Mukasa, a business coach, noted that for businesses to succeed, they need to build a brand reputation that can earn them the trust of the clients and the public.

Ayub Kato of Smiling Faces, a consultancy firm, asked business owners to pay their workers a good salary because this helps the start-up to grow and have loyal committed employees.

The Business Trends Expo was held under the theme ‘Mindset Change Enabling Re-innovation In Business.’ The one-day event attracted exhibitors in the manufacturing sector, education, and health among other sectors.