The MLW Innovation Hub successfully hosted a three-day Innovation Week, held July 29–31 on the MLW campus. The event brought together researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and development partners under the theme “Beyond Discoveries: Creating the Future of Health Innovations.”
Opening the event, MLW Director Professor Henry Mwandumba emphasized the Innovation Hub’s critical role in fostering local and continental innovation and accelerating the translation of research into practical health solutions. He said: “Innovation is essential to addressing Africa’s most pressing health challenges and encouraged participants to move beyond dialogue and focus on implementation. Let us leverage our collective expertise, partnerships, and infrastructure to develop solutions relevant to Africa’s health needs.”
Innovation key to addressing local and regional health challenges – Prof. Henry Mwandumba
Throughout the week, participants heard from a range of speakers who shared their innovation journeys, lessons learned, and insights on building successful partnerships that drive innovation. Among the keynote speakers was Dr. Peter Kumpalume, Senior Regional Representative for Southern Africa at the Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). Dr. Kumpalume noted that many challenges faced by innovators stem from limited awareness of existing support systems and opportunities. “If you have an idea, the Research and Development Department of Africa CDC will test it and can progress it to commercialization if it meets all the criteria,” he said. He further underscored Africa CDC’s commitment to supporting innovators by facilitating the testing, validation, and scaling of promising innovations, helping transform ideas into practical solutions that can improve health outcomes across the continent.
The second day of Innovation Week, held in collaboration with the Malawi Diagnostics and Innovation Network (MaDINe) and the Malawi Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (MAMLS), focused on advancing diagnostic innovation in healthcare. The day featured discussions on how diagnostics can strengthen health systems and improve patient outcomes. A highlight was the Innovation Pitch Competition, in which innovators presented their solutions to a panel of judges. Winning teams received seed funding and were enrolled in a mentorship program to support the development and eventual implementation of their innovations.
The event also hosted a Women’s Innovation Network Workshop on the theme “Empowering Women to Drive Innovation.” The workshop brought together women from diverse sectors, including science, technology, agriculture, health, finance, and entrepreneurship, to explore ways to build a stronger pipeline of female innovators and leaders.
During the workshop, MLW Head of Innovation and Translation, Dr. Alice Mbewe Mtalimanja, said the initiative aims to create opportunities for women to contribute meaningfully to innovation and entrepreneurship. “The main agenda is to empower women who are passionate about innovation, whether in technology, finance, agriculture, or any other field,” she said.
Empowering women in innovation in all fields ensures we foster development nation-wide – Dr. Alice Mbewe-Mtalimanja
Guest speaker Professor Address Malata, the outgoing Vice Chancellor of the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), encouraged participants to pursue innovation with a clear sense of purpose and determination. “Without a vision, people simply follow what others are doing. Innovation requires focus, collaboration, and determination to solve real problems affecting people’s lives,” she said.
The three-day program featured panel discussions, networking sessions, innovation showcases, and knowledge-sharing platforms to strengthen innovation ecosystems and accelerate the development of health solutions for Malawi and the wider African continent. The event reinforced MLW’s commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship as key drivers of improved health outcomes and sustainable development.
Science for All students showcase innovative ideas during the Exhibition session
