GWERU, Zimbabwe – Midlands State University (MSU) took a significant step toward bridging the gap between academic theory and enterprise on 23 March 2026, hosting the Start-Up Workshop and Value Creation Challenge (VCC) 2026 Activation in the MSU Committee Room.
The workshop brought together student innovators, University leadership, and industry partners to set the stage for this year’s VCC, with a sharp focus on transforming ideas into sustainable commercial ventures.
Setting the tone for the proceedings, Professor G. Mehlana, Executive Director – MSU Research and Innovation Division, unpacked the real-world challenges students face when transitioning innovative concepts into viable products.
“Without understanding the innovation market, even the most brilliant ideas risk remaining dormant and unprofitable,” Professor Mehlana said.
The call to action was reinforced by Professor G. Mugumbate, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Industrialisation, who delivered the welcome remarks, emphasising the critical role of refining innovation to align with national development goals, urging students to engage directly with market needs.
“Knowledge only becomes powerful when it intersects with business application,” Prof Mugumbate said.
Mr. P. Chimbwanda, Director and Innovation Specialist from the Eight2Five Innovation Hub, introduced a practical lens by guiding students through the structural and technological dimensions of innovation while underscoring how systems thinking and problem-solving frameworks can transform raw ideas into scalable solutions.
The VCC Challenge was brought into focus by Mrs. N. Mtetwa, Programme Coordinator for VCC, who framed the initiative as more than a competition.
“It is a launchpad for professional business development,” Mrs Mtetwa said, noting that the VCC offers student innovators access to networks, markets, mentorship and potential funding streams essential for startup growth.
Closing the event, Dr. C. Musarurwa, Deputy Director for the MSU Research and Innovation Division, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders and participants, reaffirming the University’s commitment to nurturing innovation ecosystems.
This workshop marked a pivotal step in MSU’s industrialisation and commercialisation efforts, reinforcing its commitment to equipping students with the entrepreneurial acumen needed to drive sustainable economic growth and contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s national development agenda.