Dr. Alice Nabatanzi, a Lecturer from the Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Biosciences, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) emerged as best innovator at the Appropriate Technologies Centre (ATC) Expo 2023. Out of over 50 innovations that were showcased by different Universities, Industries, and Tertiary institutions, Dr. Alice’s innovation emerged best putting Makerere University in the first position.
The Appropriate Technologies 2023 Expo was a three-day event (2nd, 3rd, 4th February 2023) organized by the Ministry of Water and Environment in collaboration with Makerere University and UNICEF to showcase innovative solutions directed toward positively impacting the communities.
Dr. Alice Nabatanzi’s innovation was developed under the project entitled: Valorisation of Waste Chicken Feathers for Water Purification: Designing and Constructing Low-Cost Keratin Based Nanofilters as Adsorbents of Heavy Metals and Nanosized Contaminants (MAKRIF/CH/02/21). This project was funded by the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund under RIF 3.
The project developed a keratin-based nanofilter using waste chicken feathers. This is a new technology and one of its kind in Uganda and Africa at large. The project aimed at efficiency and sustainability while promoting a circular economy. The developed filter can clean and purify water through the removal of microorganisms, heavy metals, and other nanosized contaminants. The project’s purpose is to control environmental pollution through the recycling of waste chicken feathers while contributing to improved health, food safety, food security, and environmental safety. This project majorly contributes towards the accomplishment of SDGs 3 (Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages), 6(Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all), and 9(Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation).
The project team seeks partnership and financial support from donors to enable full-scale production and commercialization of the keratin-based nano water filters.
Please follow the link below for details on the expo.