THE annual National Competition on Science, Innovation and Technology, simply abbreviated as MAKISATU, has continued to yield positive results as more young innovators are identified in the country.
Deputy Minister for Education, Science and Technology Omary Kipanga told the House on Monday that the government takes seriously issues related to innovation and creativity as they play an integral part in fostering the country’s development.
The deputy minister spoke on the matter when answering the question posed by Tumbe CCM MP Amour Khamis Mbarouk who wanted the government to divulge figures of young innovators and the types of innovations so far identified.
“Can the government tell us how many young innovators and the types of innovations so far identified given the fact that the country’s Third National Development Plan encourages innovative ideas?” the MP asked.
In his response, the deputy minister said, through MAKISATU and other technological programmes produced in the country, the government continues to identify and nurture innovative works.
According to the deputy minister, the government has so far identified a total of 2,735 innovators in the sectors of health, industry, education, agriculture, information and technology (ICT), transport, energy, minerals, energy, fishery and environment.
He said a total of 479 new technologies have also been identified and verified. According to the deputy minister, 376 innovators are currently being nurtured by the government through Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH).