Innovation Award Winners Stress Gov’t Support to Unleash Potential

June 12/2019 Sustained support is crucial in unleashing the innovative potentials of the country, according to winners of the Nat’l Science, Technology and Innovation Award. 

A total of 194 winners received the National Science, Technology and Innovation Award from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed today.

A researcher, who won gold medal for producing sulphuric acid from soil and plant, , Abuhay Wubshete told ENA that the government need to provide tailored professional support, including consultation and linkages with similar innovators.

He said creating platforms to exchange experiences on how researches and innovations are produced at larger scale is essential.

There will be delay for innovations to reach the community, if there is no collaboration among innovators and the government, he stressed.

Winner of bronze medal for innovating T-shirt painting machine without electric power, Tarekegn Shiferaw said awareness raising training should be given in order to ensure that young entrepreneurs can come out in all fields and benefit the nation.

Innovation and Technology State Minister, Sisay Tola noted on his part that his ministry is working to help Ethiopian innovators to translate their ideas into tangible products and services that can benefit the community.

“We are here to create good working environment and provide financial support and connect them with small and medium enterprises,” he stated, adding that “the other way of helping them is to give space in the many incubation and prototyping centers we have.”

Winners of the National Science, Technology and Innovation Award, have reached 1,887, including those in this 9th national award since its commencement in 2010.