30/07/2026
NCRST Officially Launches Technology and Innovation Support Centre (TISC) Desk
The National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) has officially launched its Technology and Innovation Support Centre (TISC) Desk, marking a milestone in strengthening Namibia's research, innovation and intellectual property ecosystem. The NCRST TISC Desk is the second such platform in the country, following the launch of the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) TISC in 2023.
The launch, held at the Franco-Namibia Cultural Centre (FNCC) in Windhoek, brought together representatives from government, academia and national institutions to highlight the role of Technology and Innovation Support Centres (TISCs) in providing researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs with access to patent and scientific research information.
The programme opened with welcoming remarks by the NCRST Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Dr Anicia Peters. Dr Nhlanhla Lupahla presented an overview of the Commission's research, science, technology and innovation programmes and their contribution to Namibia's Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6).
Presentations were also delivered by:
1. Mr Moses M. Moses, Manager: Knowledge Management, Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer at NCRST, who provided an overview of the NCRST TISC Desk operations.
2. Mr David Shatiwa, Manager: Trademark Registrations at the Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA), who presented on the socio-economic significance of TISCs in Namibia.
3. Prof. Alex Kanyimba, Director: Innovation, Grant Management and Consultancy at the International University of Management (IUM), who spoke on institutional interest in TISC operations within higher education.
4. Dr Valerie Garises, Director: Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship at NUST, who shared TISC success stories and challenges.
Mr Sakeus Angala, VET Programmes Officer at the Namibia Training Authority (NTA), who presented on the value of TISC operations within the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector.
The keynote address by the Honourable Dr Sanet Steenkamp, Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, was delivered on her behalf by Prof. Dr Anicia Peters, who also officially launched the NCRST Technology and Innovation Support Centre (TISC) Desk.
The programme was moderated by Ms Selma Fortunato, Senior Programme Officer in the Knowledge Management, Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Division at NCRST. Closing remarks were delivered by Ms Hilya Shikongo, Acting General Manager: Innovation and Technology at NCRST.
The establishment of the NCRST TISC Desk supports the Commission's efforts to strengthen research, innovation and technology transfer and to improve Namibia's capacity to protect, manage and commercialise intellectual property in support of sustainable socio-economic development.
