Radar | Aug 22,2020
The United Nations' global development network has allocated one million dollars for tech-savvy and innovative youth that will develop homegrown solutions helpful in the fight against the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has granted the funding to the Ministry of Innovation & Technology to be channeled to partner agencies and organisations that are implementing different approaches to preventing and controlling the spread of the virus.
The funding will go to professional associations and academics, individuals, groups and institutions that come up with inventive ideas as well as prototypes and designs for the prevention of COVID-19. The Ministry, which promotes the research and execution of technologies to enhance and develop the country’s technological reforms, will facilitate the technical, financial and raw material supports for selected winners.
"It can make a big difference in the fight against COVID-19," said Turhan Saleh, UNDP resident representative.
A total of 446 individuals, groups and institutions have presented their designs and prototypes to prevent the spread of the virus between April 16 and April 24, 2020. Mechanical ventilators, touch-free hand washing machines and robots that deliver door-to-door service are among the proposed products. Contenders should be Ethiopian citizens and should source the inputs and raw materials from the local market.
The proposals are under review by the Technology & Innovation Institute, Ethiopian Biotechnology Institute, Information Network Security Agency (INSA), Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) and the Ministry.
The technical evaluation findings will be presented to senior management of the Ministry and UNDP, according to Turhan.
"Then the UNDP will release the grants to the winners," said Turhan.
The maximum estimated cost for a project is 40,000 dollars, but can be adjusted if it needs improvement, according to Sandokan Debebe, director-general at the Technology & Innovation Institute, which was established for the research and development of technological innovations.
"Some of the proposed programmes are innovative but not scientific," said Sandokan, "so our staff are helping the applicants change the prototype to be scientific."
The evaluation process was expected to be completed two weeks ago, and the winners were supposed to be announced on May 2, but the process has been delayed.
"It's not going as well as planned, even if the technical evaluation stage is complete," said Muluken Kere, deputy director-general at the Institute. "The programme is a bit slower than planned, and winners will be announced this week."
After the winners are identified, the Ministry of Finance will allocate additional funds to support the mass production of the products.
The final winning product will be produced in conjunction with manufacturers after the government verifies the functionality of the prototype, according to Muluken.
Experts in the technology sector appreciate the Ministry’s approach to inventing COVID-19 solutions for the country.
It is very encouraging to try to create solutions to the current situation, according to Eshetie Berhan (PhD), an associate professor at Addis Abeba University’s Institution of Technology in the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering. However, he doubts whether the companies have the experience and capacity to mass produce the results.
A mechanical ventilator is not that hard to produce and can easily be created from an AC motor, fibreglass or aluminium, according to Eshetie, who adds that it will be challenging to make an oxygen extractor, since it is a piece of medical equipment used for the respiratory system.
Ever since the first COVID-19 case was reported in Ethiopia, the authorities in this country of more than 110 million people have been taking measures to contain the potential spread of the virus. So far the measures have included suspending flights to over 90 countries, closing public and private schools, banning public gatherings and declaring a state of emergency, all of which instantly affected day-to-day life.
PUBLISHED ON
May 09,2020 [ VOL
21 , NO
1045]
Radar | Aug 22,2020
Radar | Nov 14,2020
Radar | Oct 01,2022
Radar | Sep 27,2020
Fortune News | Jul 29,2023
Commentaries | Dec 19,2018
Radar | Dec 12,2020
Verbatim | Sep 24,2018
Fortune News | Feb 15,2020
Viewpoints | Apr 29,2023
Feb 24 , 2024 . By MUNIR SHEMSU
Abel Yeshitila, a real estate developer with a 12-year track record, finds himself unable to sell homes in his latest venture. Despite slash...
Feb 10 , 2024 . By MUNIR SHEMSU
In his last week's address to Parliament, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) painted a picture of an economy...
Jan 7 , 2024
In the realm of international finance and diplomacy, few cities hold the distinction that Addis Abeba doe...
Sep 30 , 2023 . By AKSAH ITALO
On a chilly morning outside Ke'Geberew Market, Yeshi Chane, a 35-year-old mother cradling her seven-month-old baby, stands amidst the throng...
Apr 20 , 2024
In a departure from its traditionally opaque practices, the National Bank of Ethiopia...
Apr 13 , 2024
In the hushed corridors of the legislative house on Lorenzo Te'azaz Road (Arat Kilo)...
Apr 6 , 2024
In a rather unsettling turn of events, the state-owned Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (C...
Mar 30 , 2024
Ethiopian authorities find themselves at a crossroads in the shadow of a global econo...
Loading your updates...