The MUBAS Research and Innovation Dissemination Conference (RIDC 2026), held at MUBAS ODeL Auditorium from 17–18 September 2026, brought together researchers, innovators, students, industry players, government and other stakeholders to share research findings and innovative ideas responding to challenges affecting communities and industries in Malawi.
Held under the theme “Research and Innovation: A Nexus for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth in an Entrepreneurial Malawi,” the conference provided a platform for researchers and innovators to present their work and explore how knowledge and creativity can contribute to addressing development challenges.
Research presented at the conference explored issues across WASH, food technology, agricultural mechanisation and modern transportation, examining factors influencing WASH practices, developments across the dairy value chain, challenges affecting industrial production, and issues related to road networks. Together, the findings highlighted challenges affecting communities, industries and systems while providing evidence to inform their understanding and response.
The student innovation pitches brought a practical and entrepreneurial dimension to the conference, with students presenting ideas aimed at addressing different needs. The three winning pitches demonstrated this range, with each offering a different approach to addressing everyday challenges through innovation.
Moments by Madoso, which took first position, explored how kitchen waste such as banana and lemon peels can be repurposed to produce fragrances. Tiguleni Academy, which placed second, presented an integrated digital education and school-management platform designed for Malawian schools, combining digital learning, AI-supported teaching and accessibility features such as sign-language support. JIYA, which took third position, is a Malawi-based ridesharing application designed to connect passengers and drivers travelling in the same direction.
The conference also recognised outstanding contributions to research. Rossanie Daudi Malolo was named Best Student Researcher, while Innocent Malonda Ndovi from the University of Malawi received the Best Researcher Paper award.
The combination of research presentations, student innovations and recognition of research excellence reflected the broader purpose of RIDC: creating a space where knowledge, creativity and entrepreneurship can come together. While the research presented provided evidence on challenges in different sectors, the innovation competition demonstrated how students can translate ideas into products, services and approaches aimed at addressing practical needs.
RIDC 2026 therefore provided more than a platform for sharing research findings. It brought together the work of researchers from MUBAS and other institutions alongside student innovations, highlighting how research and innovation can contribute to sustainable and inclusive development in Malawi..