The Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD), a partnership between the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the International Astronomical Union (IAU) under the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability (RIIS) to establish a strategic collaboration focused on the translation of scientific knowledge and innovation into tangible, sustainable development outcomes.

The partnership brings together the OAD’s global mandate to use astronomy as a tool for development with RIIS’s expertise in the design and delivery of impact-based innovation programmes across key sectors, including space, health, energy, mineral resources, and financial services. Together, the institutions aim to strengthen pathways that connect science, data, and innovation to entrepreneurship, policy engagement, and real-world implementation.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr Imraan Saloojee, RIIS Executive, said, “The OAD has been instrumental in using astronomy to inspire and empower young Africans, encouraging them to dream bigger and pursue new frontiers of knowledge. As astronomical research and infrastructure on the continent grow, opportunities for entrepreneurship and economic development also expand. The RIIS partnership with IAU-OAD, through the Africa Earth Observation Challenge (AEOC), will help transform curiosity into real opportunities and sustainable development for communities across Africa.”

A central focus of the collaboration is the creation of structured pathways that enable promising ideas, particularly those that emerge from hackathons and innovation challenges to progress beyond ideation. By aligning the OAD’s Skills for Development Programme and Flagship Ecosystem with RIIS’s incubation and acceleration platforms, the partnership aims to support teams through mentorship, skills development, and access to innovative ecosystems.

Mr Kevin Govender, Director of the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development, highlighted the strategic alignment between the two institutions, stating, “This partnership with RIIS strongly aligns with the OAD’s mission to use astronomy, data science, and scientific skills as drivers of inclusive development. RIIS brings deep expertise in incubation, entrepreneurship, and ecosystem building, which complement our global networks and capacity-building programmes. By working together, we can help ensure that scientific ideas generated through hackathons and challenges translate into practical solutions with lasting socio-economic impact.”

The MoU also places strong emphasis on youth engagement and capacity development. Through initiatives such as the AEOC, AEOC Junior, and targeted innovation challenges, the collaboration will expose learners, university students, and early-career innovators to science, entrepreneurship, and real-world problem solving. These initiatives are designed to strengthen skills pipelines while fostering a culture of innovation and applied science.

Beyond programme delivery, the partnership seeks to build stronger innovation ecosystems by connecting scientists, developers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs. Joint activities and outcomes will be showcased through innovation, policy, and public communication platforms to increase the visibility of astronomy and space science as enablers of sustainable development.

The collaboration is expected to deliver a replicable pipeline that links hackathons to incubation and enterprise development; scalable projects addressing development priorities such as climate resilience, health, and community empowerment; and strengthened African innovation ecosystems that bridge science, policy, and entrepreneurship.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment by RIIS and the OAD to move beyond concept generation and focus on implementation, impact, and long-term sustainability to demonstrate how science-driven innovation can contribute meaningfully to inclusive development across Africa and beyond.