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HIT Students Shine at Inaugural TelOne Competitions

Twelve students from the Electronics Engineering department participated in a competition on the design and implementation of Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) devices for TelOne ASDL and GPON modems, with the winners walking away with a USD 2000 prize.

Lesley Paradza, Kudakwashe Kagoro and Henry Chireshe emerged winners after their UPS prototype device was declared the best project with 1041 points. Group 2 came up second with 1019 points, Group 1 was third with 931 points whilst Group 4 was fourth was 931 points. Each group consisted of 3 students, while the panel of judges was comprised of engineers, innovation and business development analysts from HIT and Telone.

As from June 2017, the students were required to design a reliable, usable and alternative energy powered Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) device for a modem with a minimum autonomy of not less than 5 hours. This programme covered issues of technology development, innovation, technopreneurship, import substitution and empowerment.

The competitions were held on 12 December 2017 at HIT, and each group was required to make a 10 minute oral presentation describing and selling their device; with another 10 minute demonstration of its functionality and properties.

In his introductory remarks, the Chairman of the Electronic Engineering department, Engineer Charles Kanyunga said the programme was spearheaded and funded by TelOne in an effort to provide solutions to power supply problems currently affecting the telecommunications sector in Zimbabwe.

Telone Innovations Executive Eng. Mnembi commended HIT for the great work it is doing in technology development and innovations, adding that TelOne appreciates and values the collaboration. "We want to do a lot more together and we promise to continue working together, as well as seeking new ways and projects which improve our services to the nation and which make our country better. We want also intend to come back with more challenging projects for the students, as well increase the number of HIT students for the TelOne internship programme," he said.

Speaking at the same occasion, Dean in the School of Engineering and Technology Eng. Perkins Muredzi also commended the collaboration between HIT and TelOne saying the competition was fullfilling and exciting. "I therefore would like to express HIT's gratitude and appreciation for the sponsorship given that Telone, HIT staff and students are involved in this project. Our students are exhibiting great innovations in coming with technologies that are beneficial to our country," he said.

Dean Muredzi added that the project demonstrates the operationalisation of the research and development thrust of the HIT and TelOne Memorandum of Understanding, signed on 9 April 2017.  "Several projects are lined up and we looking forward to conducting more beneficial research and development projects that will lead to intellectual property outputs which are beneficial to both parties. At the core of collaboration is innovation and technology optimisation and excellence in technological work that benefits the entire Zimbabwean populace," said Eng. Muredzi.

The event was graced by Vice Chancellor, Eng. Q.C Kanhukamwe, Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr. M. Chanakira, HIT and TelOne Senior Management, as well as HIT staff and students.

The Harare Institute of Technology entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with telecommunications company, Tel One on 9 April 2017. The MoU is centred on collaboration on information and communication technology (ICT) related innovations, research and commercialisation activities. The purpose of the MOU is to establish a framework for innovative collaboration between TelOne and HIT through the development and commercialisation of technology relevant to TelOne as an Information and Communication Technology operator, furthering the provision of relevant real world industry experience for students, building-up of integrated solution ecosystem which addresses business needs, furthering the science involved in ICT telecommunications as well as furthering Corporate Social Responsibility through mentorship of the next generation of  technopreneurs.