The NIISP was implemented from 2018 onwards in partnership with Ministry of ICT and National Guidance with funding from the government of Uganda. This program aimed to strengthen the ICT innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Uganda. Under this program, RAN incubated 25 carefully selected innovation teams across diverse sectors. These included among others:

■           DotSaidia (a platform connecting skilled artisans with clients),

■           Accessable (accessibility solutions for persons with disabilities),

■           Sprim Technologies (agricultural technology),

■           Touchless Hand Wash Kit (hygiene technology developed during COVID-19): Sustainable Business Development & Market Advancement for Commercialization & Impact in Uganda,

■           Yukudemy Limited (educational technology),

■           Busitema University Light Board (enhanced online learning tools),

■           Terra the Robot (educational and service robotics), and

■           A COVID-19 Surveillance, Tracing and Follow-up System.

RAN rolled out a structured incubation program that combined several key elements: (1) comprehensive business development training covering market analysis, business model development, financial planning, and pitching skills; (2) technical mentorship from domain experts in software development, hardware engineering, and user experience design; (3) networking opportunities with potential investors, corporate partners, and government agencies; and (4) structured seed funding disbursement.

The program used a blended approach of a combination of in-person workshops, virtual coaching sessions, and regular pitch evaluations to maintain engagement despite COVID-19 movement restrictions and related disruptions. Each innovation team received customized support based on their development stage and specific challenges – for instance, hardware-based innovations like the Touchless Hand Wash Kit received additional support in prototyping, while software platforms like DotSaidia focused on user acquisition and monetization strategies.

RAN also facilitated connections between innovators and relevant government programs, helping several teams access additional funding and regulatory support. By creating a supportive ecosystem that combined funding with capacity building and network access, NIISP significantly accelerated the development and market readiness of Uganda’s emerging ICT innovations. 

Below is the list of innovation projects that were incubated under NIISP with the respective sector: