On the 29th of August 2025, the Collaborative Space at the UniPod, located within the WET Building at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), came alive with energy and innovation as it hosted the much-anticipated UniPod Talk Series under the theme “How They Built It.” This sold-out event, powered by UNDP and UniPod Malawi, brought together students, budding entrepreneurs, and industry professionals for an engaging and insightful afternoon dedicated to learning from those who have successfully navigated the entrepreneurial journey.

The event featured two distinguished guests: Guest of Honour Wisely Phiri and Guest Speaker Schizzo Thomson, both of whom have built notable careers and businesses in Malawi’s growing innovation ecosystem. Their stories were not only inspiring but also deeply practical, offering attendees a real-world glimpse into the processes, challenges, and victories that come with building something from scratch. The fireside chat between them was one of the highlights of the day, where they exchanged personal experiences, lessons learned, and pivotal moments in their journeys. They spoke candidly about innovation as a driver for growth, the importance of building sustainable solutions, and how industry expertise has played a key role in scaling their ideas into impactful ventures.

In addition to the fireside chat, attendees were treated to an inspiring address by Dr. Madalitso Tsakama, Head of Research and Innovation at MUBAS. Dr. Tsakama emphasized the crucial role institutions like MUBAS play in fostering innovation and bridging the gap between academic research and real-world application. He commended UniPod for offering a platform that encourages practical learning and interaction between students and industry leaders. Guest of Honour Wisely Phiri also gave a moving address, encouraging young innovators to remain resilient and adaptable, highlighting that true success lies not just in having ideas, but in having the courage and discipline to bring them to life.

What made the UniPod Talk Series even more impactful was its interactive nature. The audience was given the opportunity to ask questions directly to the speakers, sparking meaningful discussions that covered a wide range of topics including accessing funding, maintaining innovation within constraints, creating inclusive business models, and fostering strong team cultures. These interactions transformed the event from a lecture into a dialogue, where knowledge was exchanged freely, and attendees left with not just answers but inspiration.

Though the physical event was sold out, a wider audience was able to tune in via a Facebook Live stream, allowing even more people to benefit from the insights shared. The enthusiastic engagement both online and offline underscored the growing interest in entrepreneurship and innovation among Malawi’s youth and professionals alike.

The UniPod Talk Series proved to be more than just an event, it was a powerful reminder of the value of community, mentorship, and storytelling in shaping the next generation of innovators. It highlighted the importance of platforms that bring together academia and industry, theory and practice, and dreams with execution. As Malawi continues to nurture a culture of innovation and sustainable development, events like these are lighting the path forward and ensuring that the journey is both inclusive and impactful.