Research and Innovation

Welcome Note

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

Welcome to the Research and Innovation Directorate at NM-AIST

At the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), we are dedicated to transforming lives through groundbreaking research and innovation. Our mission is to develop practical solutions that address societal challenges, drive industrial growth, and foster sustainable development. Our directorate plays a key role in coordinating research efforts, supporting innovative ideas, safeguarding intellectual property, and facilitating the commercialization of new technologies.

By fostering collaboration between researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry partners, we aim to create a thriving innovation ecosystem that contributes to Africa’s economic and social progress. Investing in research and development is crucial for generating new knowledge, creating job opportunities, and improving the quality of life. NM-AIST is at the forefront of these efforts, ensuring a supportive environment for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Our Key Focus Areas:

Conducting cutting-edge research to tackle Africa’s challenges
Supporting innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives
Protecting intellectual property and research outputs
Bringing new technologies to market
Partnering with stakeholders to drive economic growth and social development

We invite you to explore our website to learn more about our initiatives, collaborations, and opportunities. Together, let’s innovate, create impact, and shape a brighter future for Africa!

Office

1. Research and Grants Management Office (RGMO)

RGMO comprehensively supports research and grant-related activities. Its services include identifying funding opportunities, assisting with grant proposal preparation, and ensuring compliance with funding regulations. RGMO helps researchers navigate grant submission processes, secure funding, and meet project deadlines. The office also offers guidance on ethical standards, intellectual property rights, and research collaborations, which enhances the institution’s research capabilities and helps secure resources for innovative projects.

Email: research.innovation@nm-aist.ac.tz
Link to list of Projects: https://oas.nm-aist.ac.tz:8443/npds/

2. The Intellectual Property Management Office (IPMO)

IPMO serves a pivotal role in safeguarding an organization’s intellectual property (IP) assets. Its core functions include identifying and assessing IP, facilitating the registration and protection of patents, copyrights, and trademarks, and managing licensing agreements to ensure compliance with relevant laws. The IPMO educates personnel on IP policies and legal implications, promotes innovation while safeguarding proprietary rights, and monitors for potential infringements. Additionally, it collaborates with external legal entities to enhance IP strategies, ensuring robust legal protection that aligns with the organization’s strategic objectives and maximizes economic value. As of March 2025, 22 patents have been granted.

Email: ipmo@nm-aist.ac.tz

3. Incubation Management office (IMO)

The NM-AIST Innovation Based Incubation Centre nurtures innovation ideals, from start-ups to business ventures. This part provides a guideline for incubation-related activities at the Institution. It will facilitate the incubation of novel ideals, start-ups and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs and innovators. Additionally, it enhances training and mentorship programs that will help entrepreneurs develop the skills for successful business ventures.

Email: Incubation@nm-aist.ac.tz
Link to incubation application: https://forms.gle/dUqgphfvFr5i9gFF8

4. Technology Acceleration Management Office (TAMO)

The Technology Acceleration Management Office (TAMO) is essential for advancing technologies, intellectual property (IP), products, and services towards commercialization. TAMO, under the institution’s Research and Innovation Policy, is designed to drive innovation and transform ideas, prototypes, and IP assets into market-ready solutions. TAMO’s functions include fast-tracking technology commercialization, fostering partnerships with industry and research entities, developing scaling strategies, and providing commercialization support and valuation for institutional IP.

TAMO personnel, includes the Technology Acceleration Manager, Communication Officer, and Business Development Services Officer. TAMO’s steering committee the Technology Acceleration and Management Committee (TAMC) oversees project evaluation, connects with external ecosystems, and supports market integration. TAMO support innovators through a structured pathway that includes mentorship, funding access, market linkages, and specialized training. The office approach combines mentorship, research resources, and strategic partnerships. TAMO guides innovators through ideation, prototype development, innovation and market validations, and scaling, ensuring innovators receive comprehensive support at every stage of their journey.

Email: technology.transfer@nm-aist.ac.tz

Innovative Solutions

From Initial Prototyping Concepts to Patented

At the heart of our commitment to innovation lies our dedication to translating patented concepts into tangible solutions through initial prototyping. The Research and Innovation Team members are at the forefront of this transformative journey, meticulously crafting and refining ideas to bring them to life.