JOOUST Open Day Showcases Applied Research, Innovation, and Sustainable Technologies

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) successfully hosted its Open Day 2026 under the theme “Innovating for the Future: Advancing Science, Technology, and Sustainable Livelihoods.” The event brought together researchers, academic staff, students, industry stakeholders, and visiting secondary school learners in a multidisciplinary exhibition of research outputs, innovations, and emerging technologies. The Open Day provided a strategic platform for knowledge transfer, demonstration of applied research, and engagement with industry-relevant and community-centered innovations.The event was officially opened by Prof. Elijah Ateka, alongside Mr. Alfred Wangio, the Bondo Sub-County Director of Education, who reaffirmed the University’s strategic commitment to strengthening research, innovation, and outreach programs. In his remarks, Prof. Ateka emphasized the critical role of universities in translating research outputs into scalable solutions that address food security, environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment.The Head of Extension and Outreach, Dr. Richard Magwanga, encouraged students and participants to embrace innovation as a pathway for transformation and wealth creation, noting that the future belongs to innovators who are willing to explore opportunities and transform ideas into practical solutions.One of the key highlights of the exhibition was the JOOUST InseFoods initiative, which showcased cricket farming as an alternative and sustainable protein production system. Researchers demonstrated the entire insect-based food value chain, including rearing technologies, feed optimization, processing techniques, and product development such as cricket biscuits. The innovation demonstrated the potential of entomophagy (insect consumption) in addressing protein insecurity while promoting environmentally sustainable food systems through efficient feed conversion and reduced ecological footprint.Closely linked to environmental sustainability was the Black Soldier Fly (BSF) bioconversion system, where researchers demonstrated the use of BSF larvae in organic waste management. The larvae efficiently convert food waste into high-quality biomass, generating valuable by-products such as protein-rich animal feed and nutrient-dense organic fertilizer (frass). The technology reflects circular economy principles by transforming waste streams into productive agricultural inputs while contributing to sustainable waste management.The exhibition also featured advances in sericulture and moriculture systems. JOOUST researchers presented integrated mulberry cultivation and silk production technologies, highlighting the value chain from mulberry production to silk processing and value addition. Products displayed included raw silk threads, silk-based materials, mulberry plum jam, and cosmetic products such as face rubs. The exhibition demonstrated the growing potential of non-traditional agricultural enterprises in promoting agribusiness development and livelihood diversification.In aquaculture and aquaponics, the University showcased integrated fish and plant production systems designed to maximize resource efficiency and sustainability. Participants were introduced to fish hatchery management, seedling production technologies, and nutrient cycling processes within aquaponic systems. The demonstrations illustrated how fish waste supplies nutrients for plants while plants contribute to water purification, creating an efficient closed-loop production system that minimizes water use and enhances productivity, particularly in areas facing land and water constraints.The Open Day also served as a capacity-building and innovation exposure platform for young innovators. Students from St. Joseph Nyangoma Vocational and Technical Training College, Ramba Boys High School, St. Mary’s School Yala, Barkowino Secondary School, Usenge Boys High School, Readingland, and Bondo Township actively participated by showcasing their own innovative projects and engaging with university researchers. Their participation reinforced the importance of early STEM exposure and strengthened linkages between the University and secondary schools.Overall, the JOOUST Open Day 2026 highlighted the University’s growing portfolio of applied research, innovation, and technology development across food systems, environmental management, and sustainable agriculture. The event reaffirmed JOOUST’s role as a regional hub for innovation and knowledge generation, with a strong emphasis on translating scientific research into practical, scalable solutions that contribute to socioeconomic transformation and sustainable development.