CC image courtesy of Barbara Lock.
The Zimbabwean Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC) has said a lack of startup funding is hampering its progress towards commercialisation of projects.
A number the SIRDC’s projects have been affected by lack of funding, chief executive Robson Mafoti said.
The SIRDC operates the Building Technology Institute through its commercial unit Sirtech Investments (Pty) Ltd.
It also runs projects such as solar energy harvesting for irrigation and traffic light functionality.
Mafoti said: “Relevant authorities should come abroad and find a solution since the projects have the potential to change the socio-economic situation of many people,” The Herald reported.
He added employment will be one of the benefits of better investments, as well as positive returns.
“Let us put money into the projects,” he said.
According to Mafoti, US$10,000 worth of funding will supply more than 200 people with jobs.
SIRDC supplies technological solutions for sustainable development with more than 12 institutes with activities in various fields, including biotechnology, energy technology and information and communication technology.
