The Ministry of Science and Technology has set aside $500 000 to fund 17 projects selected by the Innovation and Commercialisation Committee.
The projects will receive varying amounts of between $10 000 to $20 000 depending on the size and requirements of the project.
Science and Technology Development minister, Heneri Dzinotyiweyi said the ministry received 106 submissions for funding.
“There is so much that is lying around out there that we should continue to use science and technology. We should not ignore that,” said Dzinotyiweyi.
“Some have noticed there was material being thrown way that can be made useful.”
He said from projects being awarded, people had managed to use materials that had been thrown away, turning them into commercial ventures and making a living.
Dzinotyiweyi said there were huge opportunities to develop solar energy projects across the region if only the country could put its mind to it.
He said there were challenges facing the country, but science and technology could be used to address some of them.
