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Khumbo uses the UniPod space to work on his prototype © UNDP 2025
Khumbo Mindiera, 26, is a name to watch in Malawi’s growing innovation landscape. A recent graduate of the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), Khumbo is now a member of the University Innovation Pod (UniPod) at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) in Blantyre.
Supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the UniPod has become a thriving hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and research since its launch in 2024. What began as a facility for prototyping and small-scale manufacturing has evolved into a vibrant ecosystem where young innovators like Khumbo sit down to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges.
With a degree in biomedical engineering, Khumbo joined UniPod with a clear mission: to develop a sustainable energy solution that could address Malawi’s energy crisis.
His project focuses on converting locally available materials, such as chicken manure, into biogas for cooking and electricity generation. This simple yet revolutionary idea could transform the lives of countless Malawians who still rely on firewood and charcoal.
“The proof of concept has already worked,” Khumbo shares with quiet confidence. “Now, I’m focusing on scaling up the prototype, and I believe it will be ready in the next two to three months.”
“I wanted to create a system that utilizes what we already have to provide a cleaner, more efficient energy source.”
Khumbo in the UniPod lab with computer technician, Upile Matululu. © UNDP 2025
A Spark Ignited by Community Struggles
Khumbo’s journey into innovation is deeply rooted in his upbringing in Chimwankhunda, Blantyre. Growing up, he witnessed the daily struggles of his community, where the search for firewood and charcoal was not just an inconvenience but a contributor to deforestation and environmental degradation. These observations sparked a desire in Khumbo to find a cleaner, more sustainable energy source that could be harnessed from the available resources.
“We are stepping on gold, literally,” Khumbo says with passion and urgency. “We have resources like chicken manure, which is abundant in our communities, yet many people still rely on firewood. I wanted to create a system that utilizes what we already have to provide a cleaner, more efficient energy source.”
This drive led him to pursue biomedical engineering at MUST, a field he chose for its emphasis on innovation and problem-solving. “I didn’t want to be an engineer who just works on existing projects,” he explains. “I wanted to be part of a field that encourages innovation and creativity.”
UniPod: Where Ideas Take Flight
For Khumbo, UniPod has been more than just a workspace—it’s been a launchpad for his ambitions. The facility provides access to cutting-edge tools and resources, but perhaps more importantly, it offers a community of like-minded innovators who inspire and support one another.
“This place gives you the mind of a creative,” Khumbo reflects. “When you’re here, you’re inspired by the people around you working on similar projects. It’s a home for innovators, a place where you feel welcome and not judged.”
The collaborative environment at UniPod has been instrumental in helping Khumbo source materials and refine his prototype. He quickly encourages other young innovators to explore what UniPod has to offer. “I feel like young people need to come here,” he says. “This place speaks for itself. If you have ideas or inspirations, this is the place to be.”
A Vision That Extends Beyond Energy
Khumbo’s work is about solving Malawi’s energy crisis and empowering communities to take control of their resources and build a sustainable future. Once fully realized, his prototype can potentially reduce deforestation, improve public health, and provide a reliable energy source for rural households.
As the eldest of two siblings, Khumbo also serves as a role model for his younger brother, who is currently in secondary school and exploring his interests in IT. Khumbo’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of creating spaces like UniPod that nurture young talent.
“We need to utilize what we have,” Khumbo emphasizes. “With the right mindset and support, we can create solutions that not only address our challenges but also pave the way for a brighter future.”
Hope for Malawi’s Future
Khumbo Mindiera’s story is a reminder of the potential that lies within Malawi’s youth. By leveraging local resources and global knowledge, he proves that innovative solutions to complex problems are within reach. His work at UniPod is not just a personal achievement; it’s a blueprint for how young innovators can drive meaningful change in their communities.
As Khumbo continues to refine his prototype, the impact of his work promises to extend far beyond his immediate surroundings. His vision of a sustainable, energy-secure Malawi is a beacon of hope, inspiring others to believe in the power of innovation and the potential of young minds to shape a better future.