The Harare Institute of Technology and Stars-Seven (Pvt) Limited with the view of assessing possibilities of entering into possible technical and commercial partnership for the provision of industrial and scholarly exchange, collaborative research and commercialization of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) technologies and research outputs.
The MoU was signed by HIT Vice Chancellor Eng Q.C Kanhukamwe and Stars7 Tech Director Mr L.B Song.
The prime objectives of this MoU include collaborations in research and development of UAV technologies aimed at enhancing the capabilities and operations of the two parties. This MoU is also aimed at enhancing collaborations, promotions and usage of technology for industrial applications in Zimbabwe. The two parties also agreed to identify and carry out joint research and development projects as well as expanding the portfolio to introduce other advanced technologies in other sectors. They also agreed to facilitate human capital development for HIT and Stars7 Tech (Pvt) Limited personnel through curriculum development, capacitation of teaching, research as well as staff and students placements.
The MoU shall be valid for a period of five years and shall be extended for any successive period as may be agreed between the two parties.
Commenting on the MoU, HIT Vice Chancellor Eng. Q.C Kanhukamwe expressed his support for this partnership saying that the Institute and the country will benefit a lot from the training and deployment of these technologies. "We are ready to hit the ground running and do some operational framework which will ultimately lead to the commercialization of the UAV technologies in the country," he said.
Mr L.B Song, Director of Stars7 Tech (Pvt) Limited said this technical and commercial partnership for the provision of industrial and scholarly exchange, collaborative research and commercialization of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) technologies and research outputs is beneficial for the whole country. " Our aim is to develop these technologies here in Zimbabwe and this will benefit the agricultural, mining, education and security sectors," he said.
According to Mr Song, the Chinese based company is cooperating with many Chinese TV stations, film and television media organizations, UAV manufacturers and military police to provide quality services in various large-scale entertainment programs, aerial photography and production of film and television, UAV performance and sales, agriculture and forestry protection, aerial seeding and tree planting, rescue and security tasks. "The company is committed to developing and expanding the market of Zimbabwe by introducing high-end technology and products to the country and other southern African countries, making contributions to the scientific and technological development of Africa," said Mr Song.
