Research

Research and Innovation Committee 

Research Strategy
Masvingo Polytechnic earnestly recognizes the importance of research as being one of the key elements for creating new knowledge and insight, and imparting excitement and dynamism to the educational process. Also the polytechnic strongly believes that new products, new industries and more jobs requires continuous addition of knowledge to the laws of nature, and application of that knowledge to practical purposes. This essential knowledge can be obtained only through basic scientific research.

Masvingo Polytechnic has been on the forefront in the promotion of applied research in key areas of alternative energy, waste management, new product development and commercialization. The institution is committed to innovative, technology driven research and research training to underpin the most effective teaching and learning strategies for the delivery of engineering, science, commerce and educational programmes. Also it is fully aware of the need and requirement of extending the research activities in order to enhance academic development.

Masvingo Polytechnic encourages the research and innovation for economic prospect and scholarly activities of the staff members and supports such activities through solicitation for financial investment where appropriate. The institution is trying to fulfil a significant educative function that include planning and organizing a variety of research development initiatives to enhance the research endeavors of academic staff in consultation with departments. Emphasis is given to link college based researchers with industry partners to undertake innovative, industry driven funded research and development.

Research and Innovation Committee
Masvingo Polytechnic's Research and Innovation Committee is playing a critical role in fostering research and innovation together with scholarly activities. The committee provides input and strategic directions to research, research collaboration, strategic research priority areas, collaborative and multi-disciplinary research and professional development for research.

Research and Innovation Committee at Masvingo Polytechnic
Dube Irvine Chairperson
Garamumhango Penina (BTech Coordinator) Vice Chairperson
Moyo Bulisani (Hod Chemical Engineering) Organizing Secretary
Machuwaire Bonface (HOD ACE & OJET) Chief Rapporteur
Chipfuwa Angela Secretariat
Sandra Nyevedzanai Secretariat
Tichauraywa Silence Secretariat
Madakwa Tinoonga I.T
Moyo Emmanuel (Hod Applied Art & Design) Graphics and Visual Specialist
Mashoko Dennis Intellectual Property - IP Consultant
Vhete C.K College Administrator
Maireva Magwegwe College Accountant
Muruvi Mukutsiri Librarian
Jonas Jabulani (HOD Engineering) Member
Chomuyeke Englbert (Hod Mechanical Engineering) Member
Kaitano Simplesio Member
Chirikure Tinofirei Member
Machimbirike Cuthbert Member

Composition:
The committee is composed of members from all the institution's discipline in a way that represent the interest of all individuals. Disciplines represented include:
- Information and Communication Technology (ITC)
- Business Studies and Management
- Applied Sciences
- Engineering
- Applied Arts, and
- Education
The committee has several mandates including:
- Overseeing research and development activities within the institution
- Supervision of research projects done by students and staff
- Organizing, coordinating and preparing budgets for all exhibitions and symposiums such as ZITF, TIFAZ and other trade shows that come from time to time
- Developing the institution's Intellectual Property (IP) policy and facilitation of IP registration with organizations such as WIPO and ARIPO
- Conducts operational monthly meetings and briefings for its members
- Reporting to the senior management on research and innovation progress on a weekly basis
- Producing research and development reports

Research Projects
Research projects being developed for commercial endeavors:

1. Sugarcane milling machine
This is a project based on the processing of sugarcane into two components namely the sugarcane juice and the bagasse for different uses. The machinery is meant for small holder sugarcane farmers, particularly in the Lowveld (Chiredzi and triangle) where sugarcane is produced at a larger scale. The project will add value to farmers' produce and generate more revenues for them.
2. Butternut (nhopi) breakfast
This project is being pioneerd by the BTech Food Science and Technology department. It involves processing butternut and other ingredients into a breakfast cereal for everyone. Currently work involves scaling up of the project to industrial scale through the development of product formulations and production equipment.

3. Domestic and industrial detergents and other products
Detergents such as toilet cleaners, hair shampoos, dishwashers, petroleum jelly, engine cleaners and other chemicals are being produced by the Chemical Engineering department and sold to the local market. Efforts are being made to scale up production.
4. Clothing apparel and garment construction
The clothing department designs and produces different clothing apparel for various activities. Of particular note are the graduation gowns that the institution produces for the graduands. Commercial venture into a large scale clothing factory is being discussed.

5. Natural hair and beauty products
Most of our hair and beauty products are made up of synthetics and very few from natural ingredients. There is a ready market for natural products that are not only health, but ecologically friendly. The Cosmetology department has focused its research activities on such products.
6. Traditional Apprentice training programs (TAP)
The institution runs short courses in the form of TAP programmes that trains individuals' and groups various skills in areas of automotive and mechanical engineering, catering, hair and beauty therapy, chemical and food processing. Students are also introduced into the world of entrepreneurship so that they can venture into business and run their own enterprises.

We need these sub-heading be clickable and be on separate pages in the Research tab:
 Research Strategy
 Research and Innovation Committee
 Research Projects