In a bid to foster technological advancements among the youth, the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) has embarked on a collaboration with the youth-focused innovation hub, NxtGen. The partnership, formalized through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Lilongwe, aims to harness the potential of academia-industry collaborations in line with Malawi's long-term development agenda, Malawi2063. Eugene Maseya, Managing Director of NxtGen, emphasized the significance of such collaborations, stating, "We are now offering internship placements to students from MUST because we believe such collaborations can herald impactful innovations. We are all familiar with the story of the Silicon Valley and we want to replicate it in Malawi." Maseya highlighted a previous exchange where an engineering lecturer from MUST spent time at NxtGen, exchanging skills and ideas, showcasing the potential for fruitful collaboration. Expressing optimism about the partnership, Maseya stated, "We believe that if it is not us, then who? If not now, then when?" Professor Address Malata, Vice Chancellor of MUST, praised NxtGen for its youth-driven approach to innovation, stating, "It is always exciting and encouraging when the youth are making a difference, not only in their lives but also impacting many other lives." Malata emphasized the university's commitment to providing a platform for youth innovation, expressing gratitude for NxtGen's internship opportunities for MUST students and encouraging them to utilize the university's resources. "We emphasize innovation and entrepreneurship because we want our students to create jobs for themselves and others. And this is also what you are doing here," said Professor Malata, highlighting the shared goals of both institutions. She emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving their ambitious goals, stating, "We can work together to explore opportunities and run joint projects, leveraging on each other’s strengths. The aim is to transform the lives of disadvantaged youth." The collaboration between MUST and NxtGen represents a promising step towards fostering technological innovation and youth empowerment in Malawi.