NUST, Bank of Namibia Partner Launch AI and Robotics Accelerator
NUST celebrated a significant achievement on 5 November 2024 with the launch of the Bank of Namibia-funded Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Accelerator, housed in the Science and Technology Building. This partnership marks a transformative step towards modernising Namibia's educational and technological landscape, placing the nation on the map for artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics innovation.
Partnership with the Bank of Namibia
The Bank of Namibia’s investment underpins its commitment to equip Namibians with the skills and knowledge essential for a digital-driven economy. As the bank’s Deputy Governor, Ms Leonie Dunn, highlighted, the laboratory aims to inspire the youth, spark creativity, and develop a technologically literate workforce aligned with the demands of the evolving global market. "This facility will not only serve as a training ground for our future workforce, but also as a beacon of inspiration for the nation,” she said, underscoring the lab’s role in fostering skills crucial for Namibia’s economic advancement.
Supporting New AI Programmes
The accelerator will support new AI-focused degree programmes, including the Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence and Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence Honours. These programmes, introduced by NUST’s Faculty of Computing and Informatics, will offer specialisations in rapidly advancing fields such as cybersecurity, robotics, and natural language processing. NUST Vice-Chancellor, Prof Erold Naomab, said the laboratory represents a cornerstone in advancing education tailored to Industry 5.0 requirements. "By equipping our students with skills in these fields, we are ensuring that they not only thrive in a rapidly evolving world, but that they lead Namibia’s transformation in sectors such as healthcare and agriculture,” he added.
Modern Facilities
With advanced computing equipment, robotics, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, the lab fosters a practical learning environment that encourages interdisciplinary research and innovation. Through this pioneering accelerator, NUST provides a platform that bridges education with advanced technology, positioning Namibia as a hub for AI and robotics innovation in the digital age.
