Uganda has taken a significant step toward strengthening its health innovation ecosystem with the unveiling of the National Biomedical Innovations Accelerator Program (BIOMIC), a new initiative aimed at fast-tracking homegrown medical solutions powered by the Science Technology and innovation secretariat in the Office of the President.
This was announced at the National science week activities a platform for Uganda to showcase locally enginnered products.
The program roll out was announced by the Vice President Jessica Alupo who officiated at the opening of the science week on behalf of President Yoweri Museveni
The Vice President Jesssica Alupo hailed the secretariat of science and Innovatoon for steering Ugandas economy through home grown products
Speaking during the announcement at the National Science Week in Kololo, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Monica Musenero, emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting local scientists and innovators to develop, test, and scale biomedical products.
“This program is about unlocking Uganda’s potential,” she said. “We have the talent, we have the ideas, and now we are putting in place the systems to ensure these innovations reach the people who need them most.”
The BIOMIC program is designed to provide a structured pathway for innovators ranging from researchers to startups to move from concept to commercialization. It will offer technical support, funding opportunities, regulatory guidance, and access to partnerships that are critical for advancing biomedical research and development.
Experts in the health research space have welcomed the initiative as a timely intervention, particularly in the wake of recent global and regional health challenges that highlighted the need for locally driven solutions.
Executive Director of the Lung Institute and Principal Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Prof. Bruce Kirenga, noted that the accelerator will play a crucial role in bridging the gap between research and real-world impact.
“We have seen promising innovations emerge from Uganda, especially during public health emergencies,” he said. “What has often been missing is sustained support to take these ideas to scale. BIOMIC addresses that gap.”
Dr Misaki Wayengera Team lead of the BIOMIC Described the Program as a strategic platform designed to foster cutting-edge biomedical discoveries, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and equip researchers with the tools needed to address emerging public health challenges.
“The BIOMIC Program represents our commitment to advancing innovation in biomedical sciences and building sustainable research systems that respond to local and global health needs,” said Dr Misaki Wayengera during the event.
The program will focus on strengthening research infrastructure, nurturing scientific talent, and expanding partnerships that support innovation in diagnostics, treatment, and disease prevention. By bringing together expertise from different disciplines, the initiative seeks to create an enabling environment for scientific breakthroughs that improve patient outcomes and strengthen health systems.
The program is also expected to strengthen collaboration between academia, government, and the private sector, creating an enabling environment for innovation to thrive. Stakeholders believe this integrated approach will not only improve health outcomes but also contribute to economic growth through the development of a robust biomedical industry.
As Uganda continues to position itself as a regional leader in science and innovation, the BIOMIC program marks a bold move toward self-reliance in healthcare solutions and a future where locally developed technologies can compete on the global stage. The program is expected to be launched and rolled out later this year.
