Upile Matululu, 25, is a computer technician at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) supported University Innovation Pod (UniPod) at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) in Blantyre. 

The UniPod project started in 2022 to establish an innovation facility equipped with state-of-the-art machines and equipment to support fabrication, prototyping, and small-scale manufacturing. 

On March 6, 2024, UniPod was officially commissioned to start its programs to support ideation and product development among youth interested in innovation and entrepreneurship. 

Today, UniPod supports faculty and student programs, offers enterprise services to the private sector, and facilitates research and development in product formulation.

Upile’s role is important in supporting innovators by overseeing their projects, ideas, designs and prototypes – helping bring them to life. 

Although she initially wanted to pursue telecommunications engineering, she ultimately studied Information Technology, drawn to its ever-evolving nature and long-term marketability.

“It wasn’t my first choice,” she admits. “But I saw the potential for growth, the opportunities for expansion, and the longevity in the field. Technology is always evolving, especially in Malawi.”

Early mentorship shaped her entry into the field. Encouraged by her father, she met women excelling in various careers, which helped broaden her perspective. A defining moment was a conversation with a woman in information technology during her teenage years. Hearing about the impact she had made, the doors it had opened for her, and the opportunities she had seized inspired Upile to carve her path in technology.

With the unwavering support of her parents, who encouraged her to break away from traditional gender roles, Upile pursued her career with confidence. Now, working in a revolutionary space like the UniPod, she is part of a movement redefining innovation in Malawi.

“It’s a first for most of us, so we are learning as we go. But it also brings exciting opportunities. I meet diverse people, gain exposure, and develop skills I wouldn’t get from a typical desk job,” she explains. 

Over the past two years, her biggest highlight has been working with innovators and witnessing ideas transform into tangible solutions that impact communities. Beyond her technical contributions, she has grown into a mentor, facilitating digital skills training and engaging with young women who aspire to join the technology sector.