UniPod Botswana

15/10/2026

💻 A design on screen leads to a creation taking shape

Digital fabrication opens new ways to learn and solve problems.

This week at UniPod Botswana, we welcomed participants from the Rapid Skills Development Centre, former Construction Industry Trust Fund - citf Cohort 1, to explore how 3D printing can turn digital designs into physical prototypes.

Through hands‑on learning, participants learned how to turn ideas into tangible creations while continuing their broader journey into digital fabrication.



UNDP Botswana
Orange Digital Center
timbuktoo Africa

14/10/2026

💡💻 Innovation powered by collaboration.

At the Open‑Source Hackathon 2026, bright minds came together to tackle Botswana’s challenges, with participants working across Defence & Security, Transport & Communication, Health & Wellness and Indigenous Knowledge & Resource Protection.

What emerged was more than solutions, it was a vision for how open‑source technology can drive inclusion and growth in Botswana. Hosted by Orange Digital Center, participants transformed ideas into practical solutions through technology and collaboration.

The day was filled with creativity, teamwork, and bold problem‑solving, a showcase of how open source can unlock new possibilities for communities and innovators alike.



Orange Digital Center
UNDP Botswana

13/10/2026

13/10/2026

LIGHTS, CAMERA, INNOVATION! 💎

Something exciting happened at UniPod Botswana!

As part of the Diamond Impact Showcase Trip, UniPod Botswana welcomed Tracey Ellison () for a conversation with university students about her journey into the world of jewellery, diamonds, and digital content.

From starting out in the corporate world to building her social media presence, Tracey shared how unexpected opportunities and a passion for jewellery shaped her career.

She also reminded students that growth doesn't always happen overnight. Part-time jobs, volunteering, and other experiences can build the interpersonal and professional skills that open doors.

Her message? Don't underestimate where your experiences can take you.

#𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

12/10/2026

What if you could bring the ideas in your head to life? ✨

For Jewellery & Furniture Design and Manufacturing graduates from Oodi College of Applied Arts and Technology, digital fabrication training opened new ways to explore that question.

It was about trying something new, learning through doing, and discovering how the right tools could take an idea further than they first imagined.

And this is where new possibilities begin. 🛠️



UNDP Botswana
timbuktoo Africa
Orange Digital Center
Oodi College of Applied Arts and Technology

09/10/2026

📢Calling Africa’s Entrepreneurs and Innovators!

Your idea could help shape the future of mineral exploration in Africa.

The timbuktoo Africa is looking for young innovators and multidisciplinary teams ready to turn real-world mining challenges into practical technology solutions. This call is open to teams in Botswana, Zambia, Liberia, Malawi, Nigeria and Zimbabwe.

No finished product? No established company? That’s okay. Start with the problem and your idea.

📅 Applications close 16 October 2026.

🔗Read the full call and find the application form here: tinyurl.com/3jjwcubu



timbuktoo Africa
UNDP Botswana
University of Botswana_Official

09/10/2026

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

09/10/2026

🥽 Reimagining the way we learn through technology

What if the classroom could move beyond textbooks, lectures and traditional learning environments? At UniPod Botswana, we are exploring how Virtual Reality (VR) can transform the way students learn, train and engage with complex concepts.

As part of a recent pilot with the Mechanical Engineering students at the University of Botswana, course material was integrated into a VR environment, creating an immersive learning experience designed to enhance understanding and learning efficiency.

This initial proof of concept is an exciting step towards exploring how emerging technologies can be integrated into our education systems, making learning more immersive, interactive and experiential.

🚀 The future of education is not only about learning new things. It’s about creating new ways to learn.



UNDP Botswana
timbuktoo Africa
University of Botswana_Official

08/10/2026

Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester visits UniPod Botswana

UniPod Botswana, in partnership with UNDP Botswana, recently welcomed His Royal Highness Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester and his delegation for a walkthrough of the facility and a firsthand look at the GreenTech and circular economy innovations taking place within the space. The acting Vice-Chancellor, Mr Dawid Katzke, and the Resident Representative of UNDP, Ms Lovita Ramguttee, welcomed the delegation.

During the visit, Prince Richard and his delegation explored UniPod’s facilities, including the Robotics Lab, Metal Fabrication and Rapid Prototyping Lab. They viewed projects being developed by UniPod Botswana’s innovators.

The delegation also had the opportunity to engage directly with the innovators, who delivered three-minute pitches showcasing their projects, ideas and solutions. The presentations sparked further questions and discussions, giving the delegation a closer look at the work and potential behind each innovation.

The visit also showcased the creativity of Botswana’s innovators and highlighted UniPod Botswana’s role in supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and homegrown solutions.



UNDP Botswana
University of Botswana_Official