On 26^th May 2022, DUCE Team emerged as UDSM best innovator of the year, 2022. Dr. Aldo Kitalika, the principal investigator of the project, received a dummy NMB cheque worth 20M on behalf of his team. This activity was witnessed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Eliamani Sodoyeka.

The team managed to innovate alternative cement using cheap Agro waste, clay soil, rock materials and other binding materials available in Tanzania. The new cement can be utilized in production of bricks, ceramic tiles and other building materials. It is assumed that the alternative cement will be sold at half price comparing to the current cement prices.

This event was held during the climax of UDSM Research and Innovation week under the theme ‘Research and Innovation for Societal impact in Tanzania’.

Receiving the cheque and trophy, Dr. Kitalika thanked UDSM Management and sponsors for their timely support, adding that the fund will be used to scale up and commercialize the project.

Speaking during the event, the Chief Guest, Prof. Sodoyeka underscored the role of research and innovation in any country’s development, and adding that the Government will continue investing in research for developing necessary capabilities and come up with its own technology.

DUCE participated in the UDSM Research and Innovation Week (RIW) for three days consecutively, from 24^th to 26^th May 2022. In such occasion, DUCE researchers and innovators showcased various research findings while using such platform in competing with other Units in numerous categories.