Tshimagadzo Mphaphuli
In a resounding affirmation of its growing stature as a leader in academic excellence and innovation, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) celebrates the remarkable achievement of Emmanuel Mukisa Kiyonga, who emerged as the overall winner of the 2024 EDHE Entrepreneurship Intervarsity Awards.
Emmanuel Mukisa Kiyonga, emerged as the overall winner of the 2024 EDHE Entrepreneurship Intervarsity Awards
The EDHE Entrepreneurship Intervarsity Awards is an annual competition organised by the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education initiative in South Africa. The awards aim to identify, celebrate, and support the brightest entrepreneurial talents from South Africa’s 26 public universities. It provides student entrepreneurs, or “studentpreneurs,” with a platform to showcase their ideas and ventures to investors, mentors, and industry leaders.
Over the years, the competition has grown into a prestigious platform that plays a pivotal role in supporting and catalysing innovation across the South African higher education landscape.
Kiyonga’s groundbreaking research and entrepreneurial vision have placed him—and SMU—on a national pedestal, showcasing the institution’s ability to nurture world-class talent. His victory is not just a personal achievement but also a reflection of the university’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation. The success of students like Kiyonga highlights SMU’s increasing influence as a hub for cutting-edge research and development within the health sciences sector.
Kiyonga’s path to victory began during his Master’s studies when he pivoted his research focus. Initially working on an antimalarial drug, he recognised the urgent need for better treatments for both postmenopausal osteoporosis and breast cancer.
He set out to find a solution by working on Raloxifene Hydrochloride Solvate Hydrate, a drug with potential to treat both conditions. However, the drug faced the challenge of poor bioavailability, limiting its effectiveness to only 2%. Undeterred, Kiyonga and his team developed a novel technique to enhance its bioavailability. This breakthrough innovation was eventually patented, marking a milestone in his journey as an entrepreneur and researcher. This shift in focus was not just an academic decision but also a reflection of Kiyonga’s deep understanding of the global health landscape and his drive to make a tangible difference in addressing unmet medical needs.
This breakthrough is particularly significant given the high level of competition from other universities, each showcasing a range of innovative ideas spanning various sectors, from technology to agriculture. Kiyonga’s work stands out because of its direct application in addressing two major global health crises, thus exemplifying SMU’s mission to not only develop scientific theories but also provide practical, world-changing solutions.
Kiyonga’s journey exemplifies the depth of talent and innovation thriving at SMU. The university’s investment in its students—through cutting-edge laboratories, world-class mentorship, and unparalleled institutional support—has enabled him to redefine boundaries in pharmaceutical research.
SMU’s commitment to creating a nurturing academic environment has allowed Kiyonga to develop a solution that could potentially impact millions of lives globally. From his supervisors, Dr Madan Poka and Dr Bwalya Witika, to the unwavering backing of SMU’s Technology Transfer Office and Directorate of Research, Kiyonga credits his success to the collaborative ecosystem fostered at SMU. These elements of support highlight the university’s broader strategy to integrate entrepreneurship into the academic experience, creating a conducive environment for research and commercialisation.
“SMU has been both a beacon of hope and a catalyst for transformation,” says Kiyonga. “The mentorship I received and the resources available allowed me to push boundaries and turn my ideas into tangible, impactful innovations.”
His patented drug, which significantly improves the bioavailability of Raloxifene Hydrochloride, represents a milestone not only for his career but also for SMU. This achievement marks the university’s first patent—a historic breakthrough that solidifies its position as a globally competitive academic and research institution. The fact that this is SMU’s first patent underscores the university’s growing recognition in the global scientific community. It signals a new era where SMU’s contributions to research and innovation are moving beyond academia into real-world applications, reinforcing its place in the competitive landscape of global health sciences.
“The victory underscores the quality of education and mentorship at SMU,” Kiyonga explains. “It shows that SMU is a leader in nurturing talent and fostering groundbreaking discoveries.”
As Kiyonga envisions a future filled with innovation and impact, he remains committed to addressing pressing global health challenges. His immediate goal is to commercialise his patented drug, ensuring it reaches those in need. Beyond this, he plans to establish a state-of-the-art laboratory to mentor aspiring innovators and develop cutting-edge healthcare solutions.
Kiyonga’s long-term vision extends beyond the commercialisation of his research. He aims to build a sustainable pipeline of healthcare solutions by fostering an ecosystem of innovation where young scientists and researchers can collaborate and create life-changing therapies. His ambition reflects SMU’s commitment to equipping its students with the skills and knowledge to lead impactful industries worldwide.
“This is just the beginning,” he declares. “I aim to drive innovation at scale, creating formulations and technologies that reduce disease burdens and improve quality of life worldwide.”
His advice to fellow SMU students and young innovators is simple yet powerful: pursue your ideas with passion and resilience. “There is no such thing as a small idea. What seems insignificant could be the breakthrough the world is waiting for. Seek mentorship, embrace challenges, and trust in your ability to make a difference.”
Pretoria News