Industry Advisory Panel Workshop
March 17, 2026
College of Civil Engineering and Architecture

Students of the Department of Architecture are actively engaged in the development of the Adama City Model, contributing to data collection, 3D modeling, spatial analysis, and design visualization as part of their academic and practical training. Adama is one of the fastest-growing urban centers in Ethiopia, characterized by rapid population growth, expanding infrastructure, and increasing demand for organized urban development. In response to these dynamics, the Adama City Model has been developed as an innovative tool to support sustainable urban planning and design.
The Adama City Model refers to a comprehensive physical and/or digital three-dimensional (3D) representation of the city. It is designed to facilitate urban planning, architectural visualization, infrastructure development, and educational purposes. The model enables planners, engineers, and decision-makers to analyze spatial patterns, simulate development scenarios, and make informed decisions regarding land use and urban growth.
Through this initiative, the Department of Architecture integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application, providing students with hands-on experience while supporting evidence-based planning and sustainable urban development.

Policy Learning, Local Knowledge and Advocacy (POLKA) project, launched in 2022, is an initiative aimed at strengthening the linkages between local practices and national policy frameworks to support sustainable food production and ecosystem management. The project is being implemented across East African countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan, while drawing on successful experiences from regions such as Central America and India.
In Lake Ziway, the project is being conducted by staff from the Water Resources Engineering discipline, who play a central role in linking scientific research with community-based practices and policy processes. The project serves as a case study for integrating local knowledge systems with formal policy frameworks through evidence-based research and stakeholder engagement.
The initiative focuses on bridging the gap between grassroots practices and national-level decision-making by promoting participatory learning, applied research, and inclusive educational activities. Through these efforts, the project contributes to the development of sustainable agro-ecosystems that enhance food production while ensuring environmental conservation.
More specifically, the overall objective of the project is to support the transformation of food production systems into resilient and sustainable agro-ecosystems. This is achieved by fostering inclusive and equitable societal systems, strengthening collaboration among stakeholders, and facilitating knowledge exchange between local communities and policymakers. In the Lake Ziway area, particular emphasis is given to co-developing solutions that address water resource management challenges, improve livelihoods, and inform policy for long-term ecosystem sustainability

The Industry Advisory Panel Workshop was successfully held on March 17, 2026, at Adama Science and Technology University as part of a strategic initiative to strengthen academic–industry collaboration. The workshop brought together industry professionals, university management, and academic staff to exchange insights, align academic programs with evolving industry demands, and enhance the employability of graduates.
As part of the event, participants visited the university’s research park, where key research, innovation, and technology transfer activities were presented. The visit offered a valuable opportunity to explore ongoing projects, identify potential areas for applied research, and promote stronger partnerships between academia and industry.
The research park comprises five Centers of Excellence, designed to support advanced research and innovation. While the construction of the facilities has been fully completed, the procurement of research equipment and materials is currently in progress. The park is also equipped with modern amenities, including a research living area, guest accommodations, and a gym, creating a conducive environment for researchers, collaborators, and visitors.

Yohannes Melese , graduated from Adama Science and Technology University with a dual major degree in Electronics & Communication Engineering and Computer Science and Engineering. Yohannes has worked hard over the years, focusing not just on learning but excelling in his fields of study. His dedication has resulted in a CGPA of 3.98, with 47 A+ grades – a testament to his passion and persistence. This journey has been both challenging and rewarding for Yohannes and he is deeply grateful for the education and opportunities he has received at ASTU.

Adama Science and Technology University hosted the 2023’s Ethiopian Collegiate Programming Contest in collaboration with the African and Arab Collegiate Programming Championship(ACPC). In this year’s national contest about 9 Ethiopian Universities which involved 76 teams have participated in the contest.