Boost to Student Entrepreneurship on Course as Winning Startups Earn Cash Prizes

The University of Ghana’s commitment to promoting student entrepreneurship continues to bear fruit, as Ecofibre Solutions emerged victorious at the 2024 Demo Day, a Student Enterprise Pitch Competition under the Student Venture Support Programme (SVSP).

With a cash prize of GHS 40,000.00, the group's project aims to convert rice husk, coconut coir and pineapple leaves into self-binding fibres for biodegradable food packaging and tableware. Their innovation seeks to reduce waste, promote sustainability and support eco-friendly practices in the agricultural and packaging industries.

Hosted by the Office of Research, Innovation and Development (ORID) in partnership with Imperial College London and Impact Hub Accra, the event showcased the remarkable progress of student entrepreneurs selected from a competitive pool of 23 participants across the Colleges of the University of Ghana.

Pro Vice-Chancellor with responsibility for Research, Innovation and Development (RID), Prof. Felix Ankomah Asante, in his opening remarks at the Demo Day, stated that the Startup Venture, initiated under the Innovation for African Universities programme, has supported over 85 startups and impacted more than 300 students over the past two years. 

He expressed optimism that the pitches presented would make a positive impact on society in the future and encouraged the student teams to take advantage of the programme to support their ventures.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, in her remarks, reiterated the University’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for students to be innovative and embrace entrepreneurship. “We believe that nurturing student businesses is not just an addition to academic excellence but a vital component. Our mission extends beyond imparting knowledge; we aim to equip our students with the skills, mindset, and resilience needed to thrive in the ever-evolving global landscape,” she explained.

Prof. Amfo expressed her profound gratitude to Imperial College London and Impact Hub Accra for their collaboration. She stated that “This commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship is made possible through the invaluable support of our partners. Your collaboration has been instrumental in shaping this programme, bringing in expertise, resources and global perspectives that enrich our student’s learning experiences.”

 She urged participants to embrace the opportunity to showcase their passion and trust in the knowledge and skills they have acquired. The Vice-Chancellor added that “Winning the ultimate prize will undoubtedly provide a significant boost to your startup. However, the true value lies in the experience you gained, the mentorship you received and the connections you made. These are the building blocks that will help you turn your dreams into reality.”

Dr. John Simpson, Chief Technology Officer of FreshCheck and an alumnus of Imperial College L|ondon, in his keynote address, shared the ups and downs of his entrepreneurial journey, offering valuable advice to the next generation of student entrepreneurs. “Mistakes will lead to success; it is okay to make mistakes and it is okay to fail miserably. Do not worry about it. I have done it loads of times," he said. 

Dr. Simpson also encouraged student entrepreneurs to seek advice from as many people as possible and always keep their customers in mind. “Talk to everyone and anyone, ask every single question you can and make sure you do have a really good market fit,” he encouraged.

Ms. Sarah Ranchev-Hale, Head of Imperial Enterprise Lab and a representative from Imperial College London, announced the launch of a new global office in Accra, Ghana. “This new presence in Ghana underscores our commitment to fostering equitable partnerships across Africa. We intend to facilitate knowledge transfer, capacity building and skills development within research communities. Additionally, we wish to enhance Imperial’s engagement with our wonderful alumni, both in Ghana and across West Africa,” she mentioned. 

Ms. Ranchev-Hale expressed gratitude to the University of Ghana and Impact Hub Accra for their support during the visit and shared her excitement about the future of their partnership. “I eagerly anticipate my next visit to Ghana to witness the progress of these initiatives and some startups that we see here today,” she stated.

Mr. Kelechi Victor Ofoegbu, Chief Operations Officer of Impact Hub Accra, conveyed delight in the organisation's three-year partnership with the University's entrepreneurship programme. 

“We are very thrilled to see each and every one of you here today. Building the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators is very crucial for economic and social development in our nation and beyond and this is something we take very seriously,” he said. 

Mr. Ofoegbu also assured the student entrepreneurs of continued support from Impact Hub Accra, stating, “We will be here to support you all the way.”

The judges for the presentations included Ms. Enyonam Kakane, Executive Director of Mirepa Group; Ms. Sarah Ranchev-Hale, Head of Imperial Enterprise Lab; Mr. Kelechi Ofoegbu, Chief Operations Officer, Impact Hub Accra; and Mr. Kwesi Appiah Okrah ESQ, an accomplished Law and Finance Professional.

The winning team, Ecofibre Solutions, comprised Mr. Godsway Kwame Awusi, a Biochemistry student; Ms. Ernestina Baidoo, a Soil Science student and Mr. Edwin-Williams Gadabor, an Agricultural Extension student.

Team Upcraft, whose initiative is to transform plastic waste, specifically plastic bottles and sachet rubbers, into beautiful eco-friendly products such as woven bags and jewellery, took the first runner-up position with a cash prize of GHS 25,000. The team included Ms. Chelsie Selby, an Accounting student; Ms. Afari Phyllis Kobeh, a Nursing student; Ms. Priscilla Ogor from UGBS and Mr. Sydney Cudjoe, an Accounting student.

The second runner-up position, with a cash prize of GHS 15,000.00, was awarded to Todeka Enterprise, whose initiative is to produce high-quality palm oil, free from harmful additives like Sudan IV and minimise post-harvest losses. The team included Ms. Bernice Forson, a Biochemistry and Nutrition student; Ms. Paulina Toudeka, Public Administration and Information Studies; and Ms. Josephine Toudeka, a Biological Science student.

Agriovate FermioPeutics, passionate about addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Ghana’s livestock industry, took fourth place. The team aims to develop an antibacterial mixture that effectively replaces antibiotics in livestock feed, combating AMR and its harmful impact on human health.

The final team comprising Abukay Plastics Currency Payment Option, whose “Plastics for Food” initiative would allow individuals and organisations to exchange used recyclable plastics for Abukay products such as natural fruit juice, local drinks, fruit ice popsicles and savoury snacks.

The event was moderated by Ms. Pascaline Songsore, Senior Assistant Registrar, UG Public Affairs and was evidence of the University’s investments in students to ensure they contribute to societal development through innovation and entrepreneurship. 

In attendance were Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, Registrar; Prof. Elsie Effah Kaufmann, Dean of the School of Engineering Sciences; Prof. Justice N. Bawole, Dean of the University of Ghana Business School; Prof. David Dodoo-Arhin, Director of the Institute of Allied Science and Technology (IAST); Dr. Elizier Ameyaw-Buronyah, Director of Public Affairs; staff and faculty members of the University and a cross section of enthusiastic students. The event was also witnessed by a team from Imperial College London.