๐๐๐๐ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ง๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐ฆ ๐๐ง๐ง๐จ๐ฏ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐ ๐ฎ๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ฌ๐๐๐ฅ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฉ ๐๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ณ๐๐ซ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐ฃ๐๐๐ญ
Posted By
James MphandePosted on
30th Jul, 2026
MUST has emerged as overall winner of the 2026 NCA-DCA Innovation Fund Pitching Competition, earning K78 million to scale up its innovative granulated urine fertilizer project.
The university secured first place after competing against five other finalists shortlisted from 123 innovations submitted from across Malawi.
The award was presented on July 28, 2026 during an event held in Lilongwe.
The competition, organised by the Norwegian Church Aid and Dan Church Aid (NCA-DCA) Innovation Fund, recognises innovative solutions that address Malawi's development challenges through science, technology and entrepreneurship.
Receiving the award on behalf of MUST, the project's lead researcher and Postgraduate Coordinator, Dr Jabulani Nyengere, described it as a strong recognition of research that responds to the country's real needs.
"This achievement demonstrates that research-based solutions developed in Malawi have potential to compete at the highest level while creating meaningful impact in our communities," said Dr Nyengere.
He said the recognition also reflects MUST's commitment to developing practical innovations that improve people's lives.
The granulated urine fertilizer project transforms safely collected urine into a high-quality granulated organic fertilizer using locally available mineral resources.
The innovation provides affordable and sustainable alternative to conventional fertilizers while promoting nutrient recycling and climate-smart agriculture.
Dr Nyengere said the project stood out because it combines scientific innovation with practical solutions to some of Malawi's biggest agricultural challenges.
The K78 million funding will enable the research team to move the innovation from its current stage to large-scale production and commercialisation.
"The funds will be used to acquire granulation equipment, strengthen production systems, improve quality assurance, conduct farmer demonstrations and field trials, and train women and youth groups in fertilizer production and use," he said..
The NCA-DCA Innovation Fund was launched in 2025 to support innovative ideas with potential to create sustainable social and economic impact in Malawi.