UIL coordination office

University-Industry Linkage (UIL) is a vital bridge between academic discovery and real-world application, serving as a powerful catalyst for innovation and economic growth. By fostering direct collaboration between universities and businesses, UIL ensures that cutting-edge research is translated into practical solutions, products, and services that address societal and market needs. It enriches the educational experience by exposing students to current industry challenges, enhancing their skills and employability. Simultaneously, it provides companies with access to fresh talent and specialized expertise. Ultimately, a robust UIL ecosystem drives competitiveness, fuels regional development, and creates a dynamic, future-ready workforce, making it an indispensable pillar for a progressive and knowledge-driven economy.

The University-Industry Linkage (UIL) Coordination Office of Hawassa University (HU) connects academic excellence with industries. As the central hub for fostering strategic partnerships, the office actively facilitates a comprehensive portfolio of collaborative activities designed to create mutual value. Accordingly, the office facilitates student internships and placement, and staff externships that provide vital career experience, while simultaneously attracting joint applied research projects and expert consultancy to solve industry challenges. Furthermore, the office aspires to facilitate the provision of collaborative training programs, and oversees technology transfer initiatives, ensuring that groundbreaking ideas from the university translate into impactful solutions for the industry. By seamlessly integrating the intellectual capital of the university with the practical needs of industry, we empower progress, fuel economic development, and prepare a future-ready workforce.

A number of Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) have been signed between HU and various public and private industries for this purpose over the years; Hawassa Industrial Park, Sidama Industrial Parks Development Corporation, FRDE Ministry of Water and Energy, Ethiopian Water Technology Institute, Dancha Soap and Detergent Industry, Sidama National Regional State (SNRS) Machinery Manufacturers Association (MMA) are a few examples of these industries. As a result of the linkage, HU has been conducting several JAP and providing consultancies. The following are a few examples of these engagements:

• Organic Fertilizer and Feed Production from Avocado Wastes Using Black Solider Fly Technology at Yirgalem Integrated Agri-Industrial Park (YIAIP)
• Valorization of Avocado Seed Waste for the Production of Bio-char and Charcoal Briquettes at YIAIP
• Research and Technology Need Assessment of the Water Sector at National Level and Enhancement of Technical and Technological Capability of Ethiopian Water Technology Institute
• Fluoride Mitigation Project in the Rift Valley with MoWE
• Experimental Investigation and Implementation of Optimization, Automation, and Sludge Management at Hawassa Industrial Park Zero Liquid Discharge Plant