UniPod Botswana

31/08/2026

DAY 1: A NEW WEEK. A NEW GROUP. MORE PROJECTS TO BUILD.

The journey continues!

This week, we welcome a new group of participants from Botswana College of Engineering and Technology_official to our 2026 Digital Fabrication Training Programme at UniPod Botswana.

From learning the fundamentals of design to exploring the world of digital fabrication, participants are beginning their journey from ideas to prototypes.

Over the next few days, they will learn, experiment, design, create and bring their ideas to life using the tools and technologies available at the UniPod FabLab.

Because sometimes, all an idea needs is the right tools, the right skills and the opportunity to become something real.

Day 1 is underway.

Let the designing, making and innovating begin!
UNDP Botswana
Orange Digital Center
timbuktoo Africa

31/08/2026

Did you APPLY?

📅 New Application Deadline: 1st September 2026

Pitch it at Falling Walls Lab Gaborone 2026 and showcase your innovation in just 3 minutes!

✅ Connect with global innovators
✅ Compete for a trip to the Global Finale in Berlin
✅ Turn your idea into impact

🔗 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/disUssgE
📝 Apply here: https://lnkd.in/e8w4y7XM

Apply now and take Botswana’s innovation story to the world!

28/08/2026

DAY 3: FROM PROTOTYPE TO POWERED!

They designed it.
They fabricated it.
Today, they brought it to life.

Day 3 of our Digital Fabrication Training with participants from Botswana College of Engineering and Technology_official was all about electronics, teamwork, and making things work.

Participants were introduced to the fundamentals of electronics, learned how to identify and connect electronic components, and gained hands-on experience with soldering.

But this was more than just connecting wires and components.

Working in teams, participants integrated the electronics into the physical projects they had designed and fabricated over the past two days. They had to troubleshoot, test their connections, make adjustments, and work together to get their projects functioning.

And then came the moment everyone was waiting for…..... the LEDs had to light up!

When those LEDs finally came on, it wasn't just a light.

It was proof that their design, fabrication, electronics, and teamwork had all come together.
From a sketch on a screen, to a 3D model, to a physical prototype, and finally to a working, powered project.

Three days. Four skills. One complete journey from idea to prototype.This is what digital fabrication is about:Design. Create. Connect. Test. Improve.

And most importantly turn ideas into reality.

UNDP Botswana
timbuktoo Africa
Orange Digital Center

27/08/2026

📅 New Application Deadline: 1st September 2026

Pitch it at Falling Walls Lab Gaborone 2026 and showcase your innovation in just 3 minutes!

✅ Connect with global innovators
✅ Compete for a trip to the Global Finale in Berlin
✅ Turn your idea into impact

🔗 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/disUssgE
📝 Apply here: https://lnkd.in/e8w4y7XM

Apply now and take Botswana’s innovation story to the world!

27/08/2026

DAY 2: THE SCREEN BECAME REAL!!!

Yesterday, they designed it.
Today, they made it.

Day 2 of our Digital Fabrication Training with participants from Botswana College of Engineering and Technology_official was all about crossing the line between imagination and reality.

The models participants designed on Day 1 left the screen and entered the UniPod Prototyping Lab, where ideas met machines.

Today, participants got hands-on experience with 3D printing and laser cutting, learning how to prepare their designs for fabrication, operate the equipment, work with precision, and transform digital models into physical prototypes.

And there is something powerful about watching a machine bring your own design to life.
What started as an idea on a screen is now something they can see, touch, test, and improve.

This is more than learning how machines work.
This is learning how to turn ideas into reality.

UNDP Botswana
timbuktoo Africa
Orange Digital Center

25/08/2026

FROM IDEAS TO SOMETHING YOU CAN HOLD.
The machines are on.
The ideas are flowing.
The making has begun.
Our 2026 Digital Fabrication Training Programme officially started yesterday with the first group of participants from Botswana College of Engineering and Technology_official
Digital fabrication gives innovators the opportunity to move beyond “I have an idea” to: “Let me build it.”
Over the coming weeks, participants will learn, experiment, create and prototype and we can't wait to see what comes out of the UniPod FabLab!
Watch this space!! Something is being made.
University of Botswana_Official
UNDP Botswana
timbuktoo Africa
Orange Digital Center

10/08/2026

🚀 Botswana's next global innovation success story could start with you.

Students and early-career professionals are invited to apply for Falling Walls Lab Gaborone 2026 and pitch their breakthrough ideas in just 3 minutes.

🏆 Win a trip to the Global Finale in Berlin
🌍 Connect with innovators worldwide
💡 Showcase your ideas on an international platform

📅 Apply by 24 August 2026

🔗 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/disUssgE
📝 Apply here: https://lnkd.in/e8w4y7XM

07/08/2026

Meet your Mentor!

Where bold ideas meet strategic expertise!
With a strong background in marketing, business administration, digital transformation, and venture management, Lindy O. Rams brings the insight and experience needed to help innovators move from concept to market readiness.

At UniPod, she is passionate about mentoring innovators, building meaningful collaborations, and turning innovation into sustainable impact.

Great ideas need great guidance. Meet one of the minds helping shape Botswana’s next generation of innovators.

For more information, visit: www.innovation.ub.bw

06/08/2026

Innovation knows no borders🇧🇼🇧🇼🇿🇦🇿🇦

As the Mafikeng Digital Innovation Hub and UniPod Botswana continue strengthening cross-border collaboration, they continue driving initiatives that demonstrate the immense potential of regional partnerships in building a thriving innovation ecosystem. By sharing expertise, infrastructure, and practical skills, together the two innovation catalysts are empowering innovators to develop solutions that address real-world challenges across Africa.

From software configuration to PCB engraving and precision soldering, the IIoT team's Day 2 at UniPod Botswana highlighted that innovation is a blend of digital expertise, technical craftsmanship, and collaborative learning.

Together, we are cultivating a future where knowledge flows across borders, talent is nurtured, and African innovation is accelerated through strategic partnerships. 🌍🤝

05/08/2026

💡 Every successful startup begins with one decision: to take the first step.

Your idea has the potential to solve real-world challenges, create jobs, and shape the future of Botswana's innovation ecosystem. The MASA Innovation Programme AY26/27 – Cohort 1 is looking for ambitious entrepreneurs ready to turn bold ideas into scalable ventures.

Through world-class mentorship, entrepreneurial training, and a dynamic innovation network, you'll gain the tools, guidance, and support needed to accelerate your startup journey.

⏳ Application Deadline: 20 August 2026

Your idea deserves more than a notebook, it deserves a future!
🌐 Apply today: www.masainnovation.co.bw