At presentation of infrared turbidimeter prototypes: Prof Fuh Calistus hails varsity researchers.

The invention, which will help in boosting quality in the agro-industrial, petroleum, chemical and environment sectors, was developed by researchers of the National School of Agro-Industrial Sciences, ENSAI, under the University of Ngaoundere.

The prototypes of the innovation were presented to the member of government in Yaounde Wednesday April 24. 

The ceremony was characterised by a presentation on how the technology works and the signing of a convention marking the official handing over of the technology to the ministry. 

In his keynote address, Prof Fuh Calistus first indicated that as part of the missions of his ministry, he is committed to promote and enhance local inventions and technological innovations. 

He said ENSAI had, in 2016, presented and won first prize during the 8th edition of the National Technology Days, an infrared turbidimeter, useful for the measurement of turbidity and analyzing of aqueous suspensions. 

He stated that the equipment is very useful in ensuring quality control in the agro-industry, brewing, chemical and petroleum, sugar and environmental protection sectors.

He then hailed the efforts of the group of researchers at ENSAI concerned with the project. 

“The prototyping project is a research and development project and requires several skills,” he explained, adding that the initial tests carried out by the technical departments of his ministry proved satisfactory. 

The satisfactory note of the technical departments led to the second phase of the project, which consisted of placing the prototypes in an industrial situation and its mass production envisaged. 

“This is a win-win partnership between the Ministry of Mines, Industry and Technological Development and the University of Ngaoundere. This is further proof of my ministry’s determination to build a bridge between the national training, research and development, and industrial production systems,” Prof Fuh stated.

Pledges further support to project

The interim MINMIDT boss also assured the ENSAI delegation, led by its Director, Prof Ejoh Richard, of its multifaceted support until the project is satisfactorily completed.   

“We will continue, as far as possible, to provide you and the teaching and research staff of Cameroon's universities with free access to scientific and technical data contained in specialised scientific journals, and to high-quality technological information contained in patent documents available in the Technology and Innovation Support Centres, CATI, set up in our country’s state and private universities,” the member of government hinted.

He also declared his commitment to subsidise up to 90% of the protection of the invention and technological innovations at the Intellectual Property Rights Organisation, OAPI, as well as in the homologation or certification process and scouting of technical-financial partners. 

Makes call to university community

He equally seized the opportunity to call on the university community in Cameroon to make their valuable contribution to improving living conditions through inventions and technological innovations. 

“No creation or innovation is insignificant, and every young inventor needs to know that he or she can make a living from his or her invention once he or she has acquired a right that protects it: the right to Intellectual Property,” he echoed.

He then urged them to actively participate at the next edition of National Technology Days expected next October 2024.

Enter ENSAI Director

Speaking to the press, the ENSAI Director highlighted the institution’s strength as being concerned with ensuring quality in the agro-industry. 

Prof Ejoh also reiterated the importance of the innovation to several sectors of activities not limited to petroleum, water and sanitation, chemical and agro-industries. 

“Turbidimeter has come to be a very important instrument that will ensure quality in everything in the agro-industry, water, petroleum and other sectors,” Prof Ejoh stated.

If given the opportunity for mass production, Prof Ejoh noted, the cost for such equipment could drop from about 4 million FCFA to about 600,000 FCFA.

He also acknowledged the support of MINMIDT in the execution of their research projects.