New 'Harvest Centre' Tech Incubator Opens at Ruhuna University 📈

The Ministry of Science and Technology has launched its second technology incubation centre, the Harvest Centre, located at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial entrepreneurship in the Southern Province. • Strategic Focus: Dedicated to revitalising the agribusiness and food technology sectors within the Matara, Galle, and Hambantota districts. • Core Objectives: • Facilitate research commercialisation and support for start-ups. • Provide scientific reports on food quality, standards, and modern packaging to meet international benchmarks. • Offer technical and management guidance from university lecturers to help SMEs scale operations. • National Context: The centre operates under the Vidatha program, a national framework designed to transfer high-tech knowledge to rural areas. By converting natural resources into value-added products, the project aims to strengthen local industries and expand their reach into foreign markets. • Collaboration: A joint effort between the Ministry of Science and Technology and the University of Ruhuna, supported by the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development. • Status: Based on official launch reports; part of a broader plan to establish technology incubators across state universities to boost the MSME sector.