RSU Catalyzes Innovation: 11th Breakfast Academy Ignites Quest for Commercialized Research

In a landmark gathering that underscored the pivotal role of universities in driving economic growth and development, Rivers State University (RSU) recently hosted the 11th Breakfast Academy, themed "From Campus to Commerce: Driving the Uptake of University Research and Programmes."

This flagship event, orchestrated by the Advancement and Linkages Centre, convened an esteemed assemblage of stakeholders from academia, industry, and government to deliberate on strategic pathways for commercializing university research and fostering innovation.

In his welcome address, the Director, Centre for Advancement and Linkages, Prof. Nkalor Hudson Ukioma acknowledged the presence of all invited guests, stating that the meeting was for Faculties to interact with key industry players for possible collaboration. According to him, the Breakfast Academy meeting was initiated by his predecessors and graciously sustained by the Centre.

He futher lauded key players who have piloted the affairs and seen that they drive change for the best interest of the University. Stating that the 10th Breakfast Academy which was a success, is nothing short of the impact and work put in by key players, to promote the affairs of the institution at large.

The Director noted that the Breakfast Academy aims to link researchers with industry players, encourage commercialization and start-ups, and strengthen partnerships. He announced a book donation by the Elenwon Foundation, a partner and friend of the university, and expressed gratitude to sponsors and partners.

Professor Ukoima concluded by emphasizing that knowledge must move from lecture halls and laboratories into industries, markets, and communities, and called on attendees to take action to make this happen.

Emeritus Prof. Wingston I. Bell-Gam, Chairman of the occasion, set the tone for the discourse, emphasizing the imperative of synergy between academia and industry in propelling economic growth and development.

He stressed that the university's research output should be translated into practical solutions that can benefit society, thereby underscoring the critical role of universities in addressing real-world challenges.

In his welcome address, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, Vice-Chancellor of RSU, highlighted the university's commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

He emphasized the need for universities to bridge the gap between academia and industry, and to create a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and growth.

Hon. Okey Wali (SAN), Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of the 15th Governing Council, noted that the university's focus is on improving its processes and enhancing its practices.

He emphasized the need for partnership between the university, government, and industry to promote innovation and entrepreneurship, thereby driving economic growth and development.

Prof. Livinus Nwaizu, Director of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Office (IPTTO), presented a paper on patented research at RSU, showcasing the university's research output and innovation potential.

He noted that RSU has a number of patented research outputs that can be commercialized, and called on industry partners to work with the university to develop innovative solutions.

The guest speaker, Engr. Christopher Ehi Omondiagbe, Managing Director of Bank of Industry, delivered a keynote address on the role of development finance institutions in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.

He emphasized the need for universities to focus on research that can be commercialized, and for industries to partner with universities to develop innovative solutions.

In a striking keynote address, Mr. Janne Pentti Olavi Lauanne, Founder/CEO of Webuust, Finland, underscored the transformative power of technology and the critical role of universities in driving innovation and entrepreneurship.

"Technology has always been changing the world," Mr. Lauanne observed.

"But if you look at what happened between 1990 and 2000, you start to see this amazing arrival of new technologies, kind of almost simultaneously coming to the market. This is truly an inspiring time to see what we can do with all of this."

Mr. Lauanne emphasized the need for universities to focus on research that can be commercialized, and for industries to partner with universities to develop innovative solutions.

He also highlighted the importance of funding and investment in driving innovation and entrepreneurship, noting that "the key challenges for commercializing university research include funding and investment, infrastructure gaps, skills and experience, and poverty barriers."

In his vote of thanks, Prof. G.B. Okon, Director of Research and Development, RSU, expressed gratitude to the participants, speakers, and organizers of the event.

He noted that the Breakfast Academy had provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss important issues related to innovation and entrepreneurship, and called on participants to continue to work together to promote innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Chairman of the occasion, Emeritus Prof. Wingston I. Bell-Gam, thanked the participants and speakers for their contributions to the discussion.

He noted that the event had provided a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to discuss strategies for commercializing university research and promoting innovation, and called on participants to continue to work together to achieve the goals of the university.

The 11th Breakfast Academy was a resounding success, providing a platform for stakeholders to discuss critical issues related to innovation and entrepreneurship.

The event underscored the need for increased collaboration between academia, industry, and government to promote innovation and entrepreneurship, and for universities to focus on research that can be commercialized.

By Destiny Tamunoala Emmanuel