GWERU – Academia and industry converged at Midlands State University (MSU) for a flagship event designed to translate pioneering research into tangible economic growth.
The Research, Innovation and Industrialisation Week, held from 1st to 3rd October 2025, showcased the University’s most impactful projects and hosted urgent discussions on forging stronger partnerships for national development.
The event, themed “Transformative Research and Innovation at 25: Innovating Today, Sustaining Tomorrow,” marked MSU’s quarter-century of contributions to knowledge and skills development.
In his opening remarks on behalf of the MSU Vice Chancellor, Professor V. N. Muzvidziwa, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Infrastructure and Campus Development, Dr. G. Manyatera described the expo as a “milestone celebration” of the University’s journey.
The critical need for collaboration between universities and the private sector was a dominant theme.
Dr. T. Mangungu, MSU alumnus, Chief Executive Officer of ZIMBUILD, and a keynote speaker, delivered a powerful call to action.
“If we are serious about economic transformation, job creation, and industrialisation, we must bridge this gap and forge a dynamic, mutually beneficial partnership between academia and industry,” he emphasised.
This dialogue was matched by concrete action, with the signing a new Memorandum of Understanding with the National Venture Capital Company of Zimbabwe to enhance collaboration in research and development.
The official opening was presided over by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for the Midlands Province, Honourable O. Ncube.
He commended researchers for their outputs and stated that the week’s theme “reflects on Midlands State University’s 25 years of ground-breaking advancement in Science, Technology and Innovation.”
Showcasing the practical application of its work, the University highlighted several flagship projects.
Professor G. Mugumbate, Pro-Vice Chancellor – Research, Innovation and Industrialisation, pointed to the Modified Coal Tar Project in Zvishavane, which is producing nanoparticles designed to significantly increase the durability of roads.
The three-day event, which also featured insights on research funding from Dr. P. Chikudza of the Research Council of Zimbabwe, concluded with an awards ceremony.
Researchers and innovators were honoured in categories including most impactful research, best female innovator, and best early career researcher, cementing the week’s role as a catalyst for Zimbabwe’s next generation of problem-solvers.
The event served as a powerful testament to MSU’s evolved role, not merely as an academic institution, but as a vital engine for the nation’s sustainable and industrialised future.
