University-Industry Linkage & Technology Transfer Directorate (UIL-TTD) in a daylong program hosted 17 industries from across Ethiopia and 13 TVETs at Main Campus recently and constituted a University-Industry Forum , which shortly will take up specific collaborative research, training and internship activities to accelerate the process of developing various technologies and their dissemination to the community.

The key takeaway of meeting was UIL-TTD signed general memorandum of understandings (MoUs) with five industries i.e. Food Liquor and Pharmaceutical Industry Development Institute, Ethiopian Radiation Protection Authority, Ethiopian Standards Agency, Ethiopian Metrological Agency, Chemical and Construction Inputs Industry Development Institute; which are likely to resume dialogues with concerned AMU departments to zero in on modalities to get on with specific collaborative activities.

The program got off with Research and Community Service Vice President, Dr Simon Shibru, welcoming gathering stressed the importance of evolving new problem-solving technologies aimed at ameliorating life of community at large and nation in general. He said, in present context when Ethiopia is aspiring to be middle-income nation, myriad technology development propelled by robust research endeavor is an imperative.

Academic Affairs Vice President, Dr Yechale Kebede, representing AMU President, said, development of any nation rests upon the quantum and standard of research and technological activities it engages in; hence, for us it’s expedient to give serious attention to such potential forum. And AMU’s UIL-TTD in that regard is striving to make a difference by forging alliances and expanding university-industry network. He adds, having all representatives of potential industries at AMU premises to discuss and find a way forward is indeed a crucial step towards the achievement of empowering community with apt technologies.

Giving lowdown on UIL-TTD, director, Dr Tolera Seda, said, the objective is to make people across the board aware about our philanthropic goals, collaborate with industries thereby starting joint venture into areas complementing each other creating conducive environment for research, training and internship opportunities. He informed about joint research ventures being carried with Omo Kuraz Sugar Industry on ‘evaluating soil characterization’ and prospecting precious stones for SNNPR Mines and Energy Agency.

All partnering industries are expected to engage into collaborative activities such as research, training, resource sharing, developing joint projects, monitoring and evaluation, etc.

On the occasion, visiting dignitaries and others inspected the technologies put on exhibition. AMU staff, officials, all representatives from 13 TVETs of Gamo, Gofa & South Omo zones, 17 industries and others were in attendance.

(Corporate Communication Directorate)