Deep Tech Centre of Excellence

Center of Excellence

Our Vision

To Establish Uganda as Africa’s premier Deep Tech innovation ecosystem by 2030.

Our Mission

We are on a mission to establish Uganda as a leader in Deep Tech innovation in Africa, creating a thriving ecosystem that drives socio-economic transformation through scalable, impactful technology solutions.

Objectives

Establishing world-class standards and ecosystems

We are creating a framework that aligns with global best practices while addressing local contexts. This includes developing standardized processes for research, development, and commercialization that can compete on an international level.

Accelerating high-impact R&D and commercialization

Our approach focuses on bridging the gap between research and market applications. We provide structured pathways that help researchers and innovators validate their ideas, develop prototypes, and scale successful solutions.

Developing and sustaining a skilled talent pipeline

We recognize that human capital is fundamental to technological advancement. Our comprehensive talent development programs span from foundational training to advanced specialization, ensuring a continuous supply of skilled professionals in frontier technologies.

Empowering deep tech ventures

Through our venture studio and support programs, we provide entrepreneurs with the resources, guidance, and connections needed to build successful deep tech companies. This includes technical support, business development assistance, and access to funding networks.

Enhancing global competitiveness

We are positioning Uganda to participate actively in the global deep tech ecosystem through international partnerships, knowledge exchange programs, and participation in global innovation networks.

Our Pillars

Designed to form a cohesive ecosystem and to support and accelerate deep tech innovation. We provide the essential infrastructure, resources, and networks required to transform groundbreaking ideas into impactful solutions.

R&D & Commercialization Infrastructure

Physical Infrastructure: State-of-the-art labs, prototyping facilities, and testing environments to support cutting-edge research and development.
Digital Infrastructure: Advanced cloud computing, data storage, and collaboration tools to enable seamless innovation.

Commercialization Pathways

Structured Support Programs: Stage -gate processes and market validation frameworks to guide innovations from concept to market.
Resource Access: Funding, mentorship, and industry connections to accelerate commercialization.

Talent Development

Educational Programs: Comprehensive training in frontier technologies, aligned with industry needs.
Career Development: Internships, apprenticeships, and entrepreneurship support to nurture future leaders. Strategic Partnerships.

Strategic Partnerships

Ecosystem Development: Collaborative frameworks with industry, academia, and government to foster innovation.
Value Creation: Joint research initiatives, technology transfer, and market access to drive impactful solutions.

Who We Serve

The Deep Tech Centre of Excellence (DT-COE) is designed to serve diverse stakeholders across Uganda’s technology ecosystem:

  • Innovators & Entrepreneurs: Access to specialized facilities, technical support, and commercialization pathways.
  • Academic Institutions: Research infrastructure, knowledge translation, and commercialization support.
  • Government Agencies: Digital transformation, policy development, and capacity building.
  • Industry Leaders: Innovation and R&D support, talent development, and market expansion.

Key Initiatives

Deep Tech Venture Studio
  • Purpose: Incubate and scale deep tech ventures.
  • Key Components: Advanced prototyping labs, technical mentorship, and access to investors.
AI for Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)
  • Purpose: Enhance BPO service delivery and create high-value jobs.
  • Key Components: AI-powered workflow automation and workforce development programs.
Foundational Model Development
  • Purpose: Build locally relevant AI models for African languages and use cases.
  • Key Components: High-performance computing infrastructure and data curation pipelines.
Data Exchange Platform
  • Purpose: Enable secure data sharing and collaboration.
  • Key Components: Secure data storage, governance frameworks, and analytics capabilities.
AI Studio
  • Purpose: Provide advanced AI development environments for rapid prototyping.
  • Key Components: GPU-enabled computing resources and technical support services.

Opportunity Spaces

We focus on key sectors where deep tech can drive transformative impact:

Agriculture

Climate-smart agriculture, precision farming, and agro-processing.

Education

EdTech, vocational training, and STEM education.

Energy & Mobility

Clean cooking, electric mobility, and energy-as-a-service.

Health & Wellbeing

Telemedicine, AI diagnostics, and preventative healthcare.

Financial Services

Digital wallets, InsurTech, and financial inclusion.