PRESS RELEASE
11 May 2026
The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have formally concluded a Responsible Party Agreement (RPA) to establish the Solomon Islands National University Innovation Tech Hub, marking a significant step in strengthening national capacity for innovation, skills development, and enterprise growth.
The agreement supports the implementation of a USD 300,000 (approximately SBD 2.4 million) initiative under the UNDP-managed Supporting Informal Enterprisesโ Transition towards Sustainable Growth and Formalization in the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Regions Project (Informal Economy Project), funded by the European Union and UNDP, and implemented in partnership by UNDP and the International Labour Organization (ILO), with the key government counterpart being the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration.
The Responsible Party Agreement (RPA) was signed by the SINU Vice-Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau and the UNDP Pacific Office Resident Representative Ms. Munkhtuya (Tuya) Altangerel, reflecting the shared commitment of both institutions toward strengthening innovation, entrepreneurship, skills development, and inclusive economic growth in Solomon Islands.
The establishment of the Innovation Tech Hub responds to the need for stronger pathways linking education, skills development, and enterprise opportunity, particularly in a context where informal economic activity remains a significant part of livelihoods and where demand for practical innovation and job creation continues to grow.
The Hub will serve as a national platform for innovation, entrepreneurship, and applied skills development, bringing together government, private sector, civil society, and development partners in support of inclusive and sustainable economic transformation.
Special attention will be given to creating opportunities for women, youth, and other marginalised groups to engage in innovation and enterprise development processes, including training, enterprise support, and applied learning activities.
Hosted at SINU, the Hub will be embedded within the countryโs national university system, drawing on its academic strength, research capacity, and established presence across Solomon Islands. The universityโs role as a national knowledge institution provides a stable foundation for connecting research, teaching, and practical innovation in ways that are relevant to national development priorities.
The initiative will support the establishment and operationalisation of the Hub and the delivery of innovation-focused programmes and activities in partnership with UNDP. These will focus on practical solutions that strengthen entrepreneurship, skills development, and enterprise growth.
The Initiative is aligned with the Supporting Informal Enterprisesโ Transition towards Sustainable Growth and Formalization in the ACP Regions Programme (Informal Economy Project), which supports efforts to strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), improve livelihoods, and support the transition of informal economic activities into more sustainable and productive enterprises.
Through this collaboration, the Innovation Tech Hub will support youth entrepreneurship and start-up development, MSME growth and formalisation pathways, digital and applied innovation, collaboration between industry and researchers, and skills development aligned with labour market needs.
The Hub will also strengthen coordination between SINU, government ministries, private sector actors, NGOs, and development partners, including organisations such as the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), the Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI), Solomon Islands Women in Business Association (SIWIBA), and other stakeholders engaged in enterprise development.
The initiative is expected to contribute to strengthening the national innovation ecosystem by providing a structured platform where ideas, skills, and partnerships can be developed into practical outcomes that support long-term development priorities.
With the Responsible Party Agreement now formalised, SINU and UNDP will proceed with implementation planning and stakeholder engagement to operationalise the Innovation Tech Hub.
Commenting on the partnership, SINU Vice-Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau said the initiative reflects the universityโs growing role in supporting innovation and national development.
โThis partnership with UNDP strengthens SINUโs role as a national institution contributing to innovation and development. The Innovation Tech Hub provides a platform where education, research, and applied solutions can come together to support opportunities for our people and emerging entrepreneurs across the country,โ Professor Aqorau said.
ENDS//
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