Collaborating with the ICT Association of Uganda (ICTAU), the Ministry of Information, Communications Technology, and National Guidance is set to host the Intellectual Property (IP) Conference on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.
Held at the Four Points by Sheraton in Kampala, the conference aims to equip innovators with comprehensive knowledge about intellectual property rights and their pivotal role in innovation.
Furthermore, it will also serve as a platform for innovators to showcase their creations and seek support for IP rights assessment, registration, and commercialization.
Shirley Gladys Nakyejwe, Intellectual Property Management Specialist at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, highlighted the conference’s focus on addressing the ownership and commercialization challenges faced by young female innovators.
“The IP Conference strives to provide innovators with the necessary platform, resources, and opportunities to succeed in their commercialization journey,” said Ms. Nakyejwe.
“It encourages inventors, artists, and entrepreneurs to push boundaries and take risks, particularly addressing the gender gap prevalent in STEM innovation.” She added.
Under the theme “Harnessing IP in the Digital Era to Advance Gender Equality,” the one-day conference aligns with SDG 5, promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls through innovation and creativity.
Mr. Gideon Nkurunungi, CEO of the ICT Association of Uganda, emphasized the transformative potential of the conference for Uganda’s innovation landscape.
“Charting the Path for Innovation: Our nation stands on the cusp of extraordinary transformation,” said Mr. Nkurunungi.
“Innovation serves as the catalyst for this change, requiring a robust framework to thrive. Today, we commit to forging this framework together, creating an environment where creativity flourishes and inventions take root.”
He added, “At ICTAU, we challenge every tech professional to think forward, think bigger—engaging in crafting patents that pave the way for tomorrow’s breakthroughs.”
The conference aims to address the intellectual property gender gap in Uganda, where only 16 percent of patent applications originate from women, particularly within STEM fields.
During World IP Week, the event is expected to increase awareness and understanding of IP rights management for female innovators, with the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance unveiling the Intellectual Property Toolkit to support innovators in navigating IP protection and management complexities.
The conference will provide a platform for young female innovators, inventors, and authors to interact and share their experiences with key stakeholders in the Intellectual Property industry, including Ministries of ICT & NG, Secretariat of STI—OP, URSB IP Office, IP Advocates, and Women already in STEM.
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