The University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) Enterprise Support and Innovation Incubation Hub has hosted its final pitch day at the Auditorium, Multi-Purpose Building. This event marked the culmination of a three-month training programme designed to equip twenty-four (24) students with the skills and knowledge necessary to develop innovative and sustainable business ideas.
Sponsored by the British Council and the Tertiary Hubs for Innovation and Knowledge (THINK) Network, in collaboration with the Research, Innovation, and Consultancy Unit (RICU) of UESD, the programme fosters an environment where students can nurture their entrepreneurial ambitions. It aligns with the University’s vision and mission by encouraging research, innovation, and sustainable development through education.
The THINK Network which has its headquarters at the University of Ghana Innovation Hub Nest and launched in 2024, at the University of Ghana Business School Innovation Hub (UGBS Nest). Supported by the British Council, the network aims to strengthen the entrepreneurial capabilities of Universities and enhance practical learning opportunities for students. As part of this initiative, four institutions, including UESD, received grants of £4,000 each to establish innovation hubs that support student-led ventures.
With this funding, the UESD Innovation Hub now serves as an incubation space where students can refine their ideas into viable businesses. The three-month programme, which ran from January to March 2025, provided students with mentorship and hands-on training to develop sustainable solutions for real-world challenges.
Participants, drawn from Levels 200 to 400 in the School of Sustainable Development (SSD) and the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences (SNES), received intensive training under the UESD Enterprise Support and Innovation Incubation Hub. The event’s highlight was the pitch competition, where eight teams presented their business ideas to a panel of judges.
Team Biogel Farmtech, represented by Miss Innocentia Denyo, Lawal Mohammed, and Jonathan Nyarko, emerged as the winning team. Their project focused on the production of biogel, a retention solution designed to help crops survive drought conditions and reduce irrigation costs for farmers. As winners, they received cash prizes, certificates of participation, and the opportunity to represent UESD at the national level of the Incubation Hub Programme. The other participants were also recognised with cash awards and certificates.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson expressed enthusiasm for the programme, emphasising that entrepreneurship is a core value at UESD. He highlighted the importance of critical skills such as problem-solving, communication, advocacy, and logical reasoning, which students honed during their training. He applauded their dedication and encouraged them to continue embracing opportunities for growth.
Prof. Nyarko-Sampson also acknowledged the programme’s role in equipping students with essential skills like time management, goal setting, and leadership. He praised the participants for their innovative thinking and encouraged them to remain proactive in seeking future opportunities provided by the University. He also extended his gratitude to RICU and the faculty members who contributed to the success of the program, as well as the judges who evaluated the students’ presentations.
Head of RICU, Dr. Felicia Annin, explained that the initiative addresses the gap between academic training and industry needs by offering supplementary training in entrepreneurship. She reiterated the importance of collaboration between Universities, industries, and policymakers to create a supportive ecosystem for startups and innovators. She also discussed the significance of the THINK Network, which fosters entrepreneurship and innovation across higher education institutions in Ghana.
Dr. Annin recognised the efforts of Mr. Obed Chum, a startup engineer and strategic business analyst, who mentored UESD students as well as the contributions of internal mentors, including Dr. Richard Amfo-Otu, Dr. Kwaku Adu, Dr. Ragnar Quaigrane Duker, Dr. Christian Larbi Ayisi, Dr. Eunice Stella Nyarko. She noted that the final pitching event featured eight teams presenting their business ideas and marketing strategies, with the winning team advancing to the national competition in Accra.
The occasion marked a significant milestone in UESD’s commitment to fostering creativity, entrepreneurship, and sustainable innovation. The University’s investment in this initiative goes beyond individual success, contributing to national and global advancements in sustainable development.
The RICU head expressed gratitude to leadership of the University, including the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson; the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Edward Wiafe Debrah; and the Registrar, Mrs. Mary Abena Agyepong as well as staff members for their unwavering support.