The University of Zimbabwe has developed a Research-Innovation –Industrialisation Ecosystem which ensures that knowledge generated within the University is scaled up into products, goods and services that are propelled into industry, commerce and society. This is achieved through a well-defined commercialisation, Industrialization and Monetisation model for Intellectual Property. The model is in sync with the Education 5.0 and heritage-based knowledge systems adopted by the Second Republic to achieve the NDS1 and attainment of the vision 2030, to become a middle-income country. It includes the establishment of start-ups, licensing/sale of IPs, partnerships with new or established players in industry and commerce, (joint ventures, toll manufacturing and franchise the IPs). The University prioritizes the creation of new businesses through registration and operationalization of intern business start-ups and spinoffs.
Since His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Dr E.D Mnangagwa opened the Innovation Hub in 2019, the University has enrolled more than 40 innovators with promising Intellectual Properties (IPs) targeting commercialisation. Of these, 21 have graduated into University of Zimbabwe Graduate Intern start-up companies. In addition, the University identifies knowledge products generated in its Faculties and Institutes that address areas of national interest. The University draws up its expertise to prioritize, develop, and mass produce these under University of Zimbabwe Strategic Business Units. The University of Zimbabwe has registered 15 strategic business units with 3 fully operationalized.