On Friday, May 16, 2025, the Institut Supérieur des Technologies (IST) in Mamou took a new step in the modernization of higher education in Guinea. The establishment inaugurated the very first center for technological innovation and incubation of projects in universities (UNIPOD), as well as a mini-hybrid photovoltaic power plant equipped with an electrical demonstrator

The inauguration ceremony was chaired by the Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, Alpha Bacar Barry. According to the director general of IST Mamou, Dr. Hamidou Diallo, “UNIPOD is not a simple building, it is a symbol of a new era for higher education in Guinea. An era where theory meets practice, where ideas are transformed into concrete solutions, where dreams come true.” He said that this new space will provide students, teachers and entrepreneurs with the tools they need to design, prototype and implement projects that meet the country's economic, social and environmental challenges

The mini-power plant will allow electrical engineering students to become familiar with renewable energy technologies and to carry out practical cabling work, both aerial and underground. The director general of IST Mamou said that “these achievements would not have been possible without the unwavering commitment of the State, the President of the Republic and his entire government. Mr. Minister, your support was the glue behind this project.” He welcomes “the precious support of UNDP, a key partner whose expertise has made it possible to provide this center with advanced equipment and support programs for project leaders”.

According to Minister Bacar Barry, “this is a first infrastructure that will improve the quality of training in an extremely specific field at the IST in Mamou, while providing a space for creativity for students and researchers”.