ASEI’s approach answers Uganda’s current woes of not having a clear linkage between communities, industry, academia and researchers which has undermined innovation within industry and the community. Through STEM programs such as CODE and the innovation makerspace delivered in collaboration with learning institutions, students and youth now have the opportunity to cultivate a wealth of knowledge, skills and exposure that inspire job creation and a global workforce.

A student doesn’t need to have finished high school or graduated with good grades or finished university with a STEM degree to become a member of the ASEI engineering makerspace. This approach is inclusive and allows youth along their education path to pursue these skills. Majority have questioned the credibility and efficacy of higher education in Uganda arguing that vocational education outshines higher education, but ASEI’s approach ensures that learning institutions can help students cultivate skills alongside education on their path to the world of work. Higher education with skills and an enabling environment will inspire Uganda to industrialization, the digital economy and sustainability whilst exploiting untapped sectors like space.

ASEI’s plan to actualize private ventures as span-outs from its research or by its partner research institutions offers a distinct advantage of working with the local communities to deliver evidence-based solutions that will improve access to safe and affordable water, contribute to Uganda’s Green Growth Strategy 2030, and use of technology to improve agricultural productivity and livelihoods.