Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Research, Innovation and Partnerships at NUST, Educational Research Center, Corner Brahms and Beethoven Street, Windhoek.
This page aims to showcase research projects at NUST, in line with the University's goal promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, underpinned by a well-established research base, in tandem with other key components.
11/08/2026
Dear NUST Alumni,
Join the ICFSB 2026 – 2nd International Conference on Finance and Sustainable Business, taking place 09–10 September 2026 at NUST, Windhoek.
Registration: N$2,500
NUST Alumni: Enjoy 10% OFF!
09–10 September 2026
NUST, Windhoek
Namibia University of Science and Technology - NUST
09/08/2026
Greetings, NUSTodians!
Thank you for the warm welcome I have received since joining NUST this week.
To connect further on the vision outlined here, allow me to invite you to read and reflect on my full inaugural address, now available on the NUST website via this link:https://www.nust.na/sites/default/files/media-releases/Inaugural-Address-Prof-Frednard-Gideon-NUST-Vice-Chancellor-August2026.pdf
Prof Frednard Gideon, NUST Vice-Chancellor
09/08/2026
A new chapter begins at NUST! 💙✨
06/08/2026
𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲
𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀
When people hear “genome sequencing”, they often think only about human DNA and medical research. However, NUST’s new sequencing platform could support discoveries far beyond healthcare.
According to Prof Lamech M. Mwapagha, the platform allows researchers to generate genomic data locally while reducing Namibia’s dependence on overseas laboratories. NUST has already used it to sequence the first Namibian human whole genomes entirely within the country.
The technology can also support agriculture. Researchers may use it to study crop and livestock diseases, identify valuable genetic traits and contribute to more resilient food-production systems.
In biodiversity and environmental research, sequencing can help scientists identify species, examine genetic diversity and analyse genetic material found in plants, animals, soil and water. It can also support pathogen genomics and microbiome research, helping researchers study microorganisms associated with people, animals and the environment.
The platform’s long-term impact will depend not only on the technology, but also on the expertise required to operate it effectively. To strengthen this capacity, Dr Natasha Kitchin, Senior Applications Specialist: Molecular, provided practical training to NUST staff and postgraduate students across the sequencing workflow, from sample preparation to primary data analysis.
The platform is therefore not simply a medical instrument. It will strengthen our ability to respond to public health challenges, support innovation in agriculture and biodiversity conservation, train the next generation of genomic scientists, and position NUST as a regional hub for genomics, bioinformatics and biotechnology," Prof Mwapagha said.
Read the full article
https://www.nust.na/nust-unveils-namibias-first-genome-sequencing-platform
| Rethinking the value of vocational skills
“I have a PhD. I cannot weld.”
In this memorable conversation, Dr Lennena Kloppers challenged us to reconsider how society values technical and vocational skills.
Although we recognise that every profession contributes to society, welders, plumbers, artisans and other TVET professionals are often treated as though their skills are less valuable. Yet these are the people who turn plans, designs and infrastructure investments into practical reality.
The discussion also explored how the Ignite Green Hydrogen Project is preparing trainers and TVET graduates to participate meaningfully in Namibia’s emerging green hydrogen economy.
As new industries develop, the question is not only whether Namibia has the infrastructure and investment. It is whether Namibians have the skills, opportunities and career pathways required to benefit.
Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNZbwdTW7oQ&list=PLrwOkWpfB_g-8E_Wkn3Oi46KoaKmM2XT2&index=3
05/08/2026
Turning TVET Skills into Enterprises:
NUST Strengthens Lüderitz’s Innovation Pipeline
The NUST Innovation Hub (NUST-i) hosted a three-day Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for 24 students from COSDEC Benguela in Lüderitz at the NUST Lüderitz Campus from 21 to 23 July 2026. Which used technical and vocational skills, creativity and entrepreneurship to help participants explore how their practical abilities could be transformed into viable business opportunities.
COSDEC Benguela is a community-based vocational training centre that provides competency-based skills training to out-of-school youth, aspiring entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises. The centre forms part of the network coordinated by the Namibia Community Skills Development Foundation and plays an important role in improving access to practical skills and economic opportunities for young people in Lüderitz.
Facilitated by Valerie Garises, Silas Newaka and Nigel M'kwaira, the bootcamp guided participants through idea development, problem-solving, business fundamentals, teamwork, mentorship and pitching. The activities complemented the students’ existing TVET capabilities in fields such as plumbing and pipe fitting, metal fabrication, welding, hospitality and tourism, and office administration.
The 24 students formed five COSDEC Benguela teams and developed business concepts responding to opportunities and challenges within their community. The final pitches were assessed by guest judge Vitalis Haupindi, Founder of YYeni AI, who also led a pitch feedback session to help the teams strengthen their ideas, presentations and business models. Drawing on his entrepreneurial journey, Haupindi shared practical insights on how to build a business, respond to setbacks and remain persistent when progress is slow. He encouraged the students to view perseverance, continuous learning and adaptability as essential elements of entrepreneurship.
At the conclusion of the programme, LMS – Limitless Moves Studio emerged as the winner of the Innovation Challenge. The team’s achievement demonstrated the creativity and entrepreneurial potential that can be unlocked when vocational expertise is combined with innovation, business knowledge, mentorship and effective presentation.
COSDEC Benguela has served Lüderitz since 2009, Its role is particularly significant as Lüderitz prepares for growth in construction, tourism, logistics, energy and related services. NUST-i connects this practical TVET training with problem-solving, mentorship, business modelling and pitching, thereby helping to develop a stronger pipeline of locally rooted entrepreneurs who can respond to the region’s emerging economic opportunities.
The bootcamp reflects NUST’s commitment to producing entrepreneurs and strengthening Namibia’s innovation pipeline by connecting TVET skills, mentorship, creativity and enterprise development.
COSDEF NAMIBIA
03/08/2026
Are you a TVET trainee, recent graduate or a trainer with an innovative idea in Green Hydrogen, Solar, or Renewable Energy?
Do you wish to turn your idea into a profitable, sustainable business?
Join the NUST IGNITE GH2 Entrepreneurship Bootcamp in Windhoek and learn how to turn ideas into practical business opportunities.
Apply Online
Closing Date: 06 August 2026
Scan the QR code or visit: https://tinyurl.com/dftbkh2r
31/07/2026
Every groundwater investment must deliver lasting value for communities. This is the ambition behind EquiWell, an AI-enabled decision-support framework designed to reduce the risk of unsuccessful or poorly located boreholes in Namibia’s Kunene Region. The project aims to strengthen climate resilience, improve value for money and support more equitable access to groundwater.
On 29 and 30 July 2026, EquiWell convened a Data Source Identification Workshop at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST). Participants examined how scientific and socio-economic data could be combined with governance insights and locally grounded knowledge to inform borehole-siting decisions.
The project is building the evidence for a scalable, investment-ready climate-adaptation solution that could be applied across other water-stressed regions. It also contributes to the African Union’s 2026 theme on sustainable water availability and Agenda 2063.
EquiWell combines the research, policy and sector expertise of NUST, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, NamWater and CUVKUN project, with funding from NCRST and 3 E’s for Africa.
Research and Innovation Matters is an initiative of the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnerships (DRIP) at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST).
In this episode, we are joined by Dr Anna Matros-Goreses, Executive Director of DRIP at NUST and President of SARIMA.
Under the theme “From Evidence to Impact: Water Security, Research Management and Namibia’s Innovation Future,” Dr Matros-Goreses reflects on the role of research in shaping solutions for Namibia’s development challenges, particularly in relation to water security, policy, innovation and institutional impact.
The conversation explores why water security remains a critical national issue, how research can better inform decision-making, and why strong research management systems are essential for turning ideas into meaningful outcomes.
From ACEWATER and Innovate 4 Water to SARIMA, technology transfer and public trust in science, this episode unpacks how research can move beyond publications and contribute to practical solutions, stronger institutions and national development.