14 Jul 2026

As Botswana races toward economic diversification and sustainable growth, the Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation (BITRI) is emerging as a powerful engine of change. Far from being just another research body, BITRI is actively turning laboratory breakthroughs into thriving businesses, creating jobs, and empowering local SMEs.

Acting Director of Research and Partnerships, Ms Lesego Moribame, captured the institute’s ambitious vision during a strategic engagement with the Kanye District Council recently.

“BITRI was established as a parastatal to develop technology-based solutions that address national priorities. Our mandate goes beyond research, we focus on real-world impact.”

At the core of BITRI’s success is its Technology Transfer Office (TTO), housed under the Department of Research and Partnerships. The TTO, with its Intellectual Property and Business Development units, operates a clear framework to protect and profit from innovations through its Institutional Intellectual Property Policy and Innovation Management Framework.

Ms Moribame outlined three key pathways to commercialisation being licensing, where BITRI grants rights to produce and sell technologies while retaining ownership and earning royalties that fuel further research and development, with priority given to local SMEs and companies for non-exclusive licenses. Secondly, full technology transfer, where ownership is handed over to capable partners ready to scale production. And thirdly, according to Ms Moribame is new ventures, where BITRI creates or supports spin-off companies, often through joint ventures, to attract investors when suitable private partners are limited. 

Complementing the TTO is BITRI Investments, the institute’s wholly-owned commercial subsidiary. This entity serves as a holding company, brokering partnerships, facilitating market entry, and driving deals, including recent collaborations in battery metals processing.

Every technology undergoes rigorous quality checks with the Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS) and is protected by patents, trademarks, and other IP safeguards before reaching the market. 

Technology Transfer Business Specialist, Mr Matlhogonolo Mosweu highlighted some of BITRI’s most impactful creations that are already making a difference on the ground.

The Seding LED Solar Light stands out as a flagship success. The durable, eco-friendly, solar-powered lighting solution is designed for off-grid use. It automatically switches on at sunset and off at sunrise, bringing reliable light to homes, farms, hotels, lodges, office parks, golf courses, parking areas, and public spaces.

BITRI has set up assembly plants, including one in Kanye, and is licensing the technology locally. The latest version, Seding V2.5, is ready for local manufacturing and potential export. 

By expanding energy access and cutting reliance on the national grid, it directly supports Botswana’s renewable energy ambitions.

Another exciting initiative is the EV retrofitting plant in Kanye, where BITRI transforms conventional petrol and diesel vehicles into modern electric ones. This not only extends the life of existing vehicles and reduces emissions and fuel costs but also builds local expertise in green technology and supports the country’s broader e-mobility goals.

Beyond these, BITRI’s portfolio includes innovations in specialty chemicals, advanced materials (such as KSBB bricks) and more, all tailored to solve pressing national challenges.

These technologies are not developed in isolation. Through licensing, training, prototyping, and end-to-end commercial support, BITRI equips local entrepreneurs to adopt, manufacture, and scale solutions.

“Adoption and commercialisation of BITRI technologies by SMEs would go a long way in promoting the establishment of local industries to employ Batswana,” said Kanye District Council Chairperson, Mr Morapedi Kgosithebe.

He expressed the Council’s eagerness to forge deeper partnerships with BITRI, noting that such collaboration could generate sustainable jobs and create new revenue streams to fund district development.

BITRI’s integrated model, combining world-class research with aggressive commercialisation, makes it far more than a research institute. 

It is a dynamic innovation partner for government, industry, and entrepreneurs alike.

As the country pursues Vision 2036 and beyond, BITRI’s commercial arms are poised to play an even bigger role in converting Botswana’s resources and ideas into globally competitive technologies and successful businesses. ENDS