On March 22, 2025, the MUST Design Studio hosted the 20th World Arduino Day commemoration, bringing together the group’s enthusiasts, students, and innovators. 

The event was sponsored by TME Education Africa, Qubix Robotics and the Mastercard Foundation, and attracted participants from various institutions and backgrounds, with a notable presence of students and graduates from MUST and Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) as well as some industry players.

Several Arduino-based projects were exhibited, with some gaining notable recognition. 

For example, Maverick's Ultraviolet Sterilisation (MUV) Bot by Bernard Mhango, Mwanasha Mphonda, and Hildah Kalino, all third-year MUST Biomedical Engineering students and Hope Matemba—a MUST Disaster and Risk Management student. 

Another highlight was the CNC Pen Plotter, designed by Cedrick Mmangisa, a third-year MUST Biomedical Engineering student. 

Additionally, the Digital Hotplate, created by Joshua Ngalande, demonstrated Internet of Things (IoT) integration, allowing users to set temperature and heating time via a mobile app or onboard buttons. 

Beyond the exhibitions and presentations, the event served as a valuable networking platform, allowing students, engineers, and innovators to exchange ideas, build professional connections, and explore potential collaborations. 

The engagement between participants and industry experts fostered an environment that encourages continuous learning and innovation.

According to MUST Design Studio coordinator, Nelson Mwenifumbo, the event was a success.

“Not only did it highlight the creative potential of Arduino-based projects but also reinforced MUST Design Studio’s role as a hub for innovation and technological advancement. The presence of industry leaders underscored the growing impact of Arduino, automation, and problem-solving in shaping Malawi’s future,” he said.

Mwenifumbo said the collaboration with MUBAS was also critical.

“The event featured a keynote address from Chikumbutso Walani, a lecturer and Design Studio Engineer at MUBAS, and the CEO of SmartFarms. He emphasized the potential of IoT, AI, and Machine Learning in driving technological advancement and challenged young innovators to focus on developing solutions to Malawi’s pressing challenges rather than merely working on interesting projects,” said Mwenifumbo. 

“Also in attendance was Joshua Ngalande, a renowned innovator and engineer at Malawi Telecommunications Limited (MTL), who not only showcased his Digital Hotplate and Driving Simulator but also delivered an inspiring message. He urged young innovators to focus on making Malawi a better place instead of aspiring to move abroad for a better lifestyle. He encouraged them to develop ground-breaking innovations that could elevate Malawi to the same level as the countries they admire.”

Arduino is an open-source electronics platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software. It makes microcontroller boards and software applications that are mostly use in building electronic based projects.