Twenty-four (24) students from Levels 200 to 400 of the School of Sustainable Development (SSD) and the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences (SNES) are currently undergoing a three-month training programme under the UESD Enterprise Support and Innovation Incubation Hub. The Hub, established through a four-thousand-pound grant from the British Council aims to equip students with skills in entrepreneurship, mentorship, and the transformation of innovative ideas into sustainable businesses.
It is designed to promote sustainable development through education, research, and innovation by providing a conducive environment for young minds to nurture their entrepreneurial spirit. By aligning with the University’s Vision and Mission, the hub serves as a platform where students can develop their ideas into impactful solutions.
The training programme is organised by the Research, Innovation, and Consultancy Unit (RICU) in collaboration with the Tertiary Hubs for Innovation and Knowledge (THINK) Network.
At the launch, the facilitator and mentor for the UESD Incubation Hub, Mr. Obed O. Twum, a startup engineer and strategic business analyst, explained that the Innovation Hub serves as an incubator for early-stage student ventures, reinforcing Ghana’s mission to cultivate a new generation of entrepreneurs and enhance its innovation landscape. Outlining the programme’s structure, Mr. Twum said, the first phase focuses on awareness creation, while subsequent phases address five core pillars: business idea development, skill-building workshops, prototype development, and project assessment.
In his address, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of UESD, Prof. Edward Wiafe Debrah, described the training programme as a transformative initiative that empowers innovation, fosters entrepreneurship, and drives sustainable solutions. He highlighted the role of innovation in tackling global challenges such as climate change, economic disparities, and technological advancements.
Prof. Wiafe Debrah stressed that the hub acts as a catalyst for innovation by bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications, equipping students, alumni, and community members with essential resources, mentorship, and support to bring their entrepreneurial aspirations to life. He reaffirmed UESD’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of problem-solving visionaries and change-makers, encouraging students to seize this opportunity to innovate and challenge the status quo.
The Ag. Head of RICU, Dr. (Mrs.) Felicia Annin, reiterated that UESD is one of the four Universities benefiting from this British Council grant, which seeks to foster student-driven entrepreneurship by providing essential resources, mentorship, and funding.
She underscored the significance of the event as a major milestone in UESD’s mission to foster creativity, entrepreneurship, and sustainable innovation within the university and the broader community. She indicated that UESD’s investment in this programme goes beyond individual success, contributing to national and global progress. Dr. Annin commended the students for their participation and expressed confidence that the knowledge they gain will create opportunities and lay a solid foundation for a more sustainable future.
At the end of the training, participants will receive certificates, with special awards presented to individuals and teams demonstrating outstanding performance.