Background and Rationale Uganda’s higher education institutions are increasingly recognized as vital enablers of innovation and national development. However, the potential of universities to drive industrial innovation, employment creation, and technology commercialization remains underutilized. Bridging this gap requires an integrated ecosystem that connects academic research, technical prototyping, entrepreneurship, and realworld application. Over the past three years, the UNESCO-China Funds-in-Trust Phase III (CFIT III) project has supported Makerere University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology in strengthening labor market-oriented education and fostering industry collaboration. Through this initiative, both universities have piloted innovation ecosystems that guide students from ideation to minimum viable product development, supported by research and business mentorship. At Makerere, student engagement grew significantly—from 7 students and 24 faculty in Year 1 to 188 students and 40 faculty in Year 2. The high interest, evidenced by over 350 applications for 100 slots in innovation hub tours in April 2025, underscores the momentum behind institutionalizing such ecosystems across Uganda’s universities.