Uganda has launched its first Deep Tech Centre of Excellence in Namanve, a step in leveraging advanced technology to drive economic transformation.
The center, developed by the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Secretariat in partnership with key stakeholders, will focus on cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum computing, and biotechnology. Officials say the initiative will strengthen Uganda’s position in the global technology landscape while creating high-value jobs and fostering innovation.
Dr. Monica Musenero, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, officiated the launch, joined by Minister of Energy and Mineral Development Ruth Nankabirwa. Musenero underscored the center’s role in shifting Uganda toward a knowledge-based economy.
“With the help of this center, we hope to establish a vibrant ecosystem where deep technology drives economic change and opens up new doors for youth,” she said.
She emphasized the facility’s alignment with Vision 2040, stating that Uganda aims to enhance global competitiveness by leveraging science, technology, and innovation.
The center will focus on cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, quantum computing, and advanced materials. As part of the launch, Lwera Semiconductors unveiled a local electronics manufacturing facility, showcasing innovations from Ugandan tech pioneers like Innovex, Kaara Energy, and Tech Anatomy.
Key initiatives introduced at the event include an AI for BPO program to enhance public sector service delivery, a Deep Tech Venture Studio to support startups, and a local data repository to strengthen research and commercialization.
David Gonahasa, Lead of the Industry 4.0+ Bureau at the STI Secretariat, highlighted the center’s significance in advancing Uganda’s Industry 4.0+ strategy.
“This program is part of Uganda’s plan to spur innovation in cutting-edge technology sectors, giving the nation a competitive advantage globally,” he said.
Arthur Mukembo, CEO of Future Lab and co-founder of the center, stressed the transformative impact of deep tech in solving national challenges.
“We are focused on providing unparalleled access to world-class R&D and commercialization infrastructure while nurturing talent in research, entrepreneurship, and management,” Mukembo said.
He noted that technologies like artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and the Internet of Things could address critical issues such as youth unemployment, low agricultural productivity, and limited healthcare access.
According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, the deep tech sector is projected to create over 100 million jobs by 2030. A 2022 study by the Boston Consulting Group also revealed that global investments in deep tech more than doubled between 2016 and 2021, reaching $60 billion.
