The C. K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences (CKT-UTAS) has joined forces with the Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC) to introduce the “AgriTech Challenge” in a bid to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the agricultural value chain.
The initiative also seeks to support startups operating within the agriculture value chain, targeting individuals aged 18 to 35 with a passion for transforming agricultural practices.
Speaking during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Accra, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samson A. Abagale, underscored the significance of the initiative, particularly in addressing post-harvest losses prevalent in Northern Ghana.
He emphasized the University’s commitment to developing innovations that will extend the shelf life of perishable products, thereby tackling a critical issue in the agricultural sector.
Prof. Abagale also highlighted the potential of the partnership to alleviate youth unemployment by engaging community members in entrepreneurial endeavors within the agriculture value chain, thus creating employment opportunities.
The genesis of this collaboration can be traced back to February 2024 when a team from the Kosmos Innovation Center proposed the partnership to CKT-UTAS. Led by Mr. Titus Michael Beyuoh, the team presented a comprehensive plan to initiate programs focusing on the agricultural value chain within the university’s catchment area, particularly serving the North East Region. The proposal was accepted, marking the beginning of discussions to implement the innovative initiative on campus.
Mr. Beyuoh, the Business Development Manager at the Kosmos Innovation Center, explained that selecting CKT-UTAS as the host institution for the “AgriTech Challenge” was deliberate due to its strategic positioning and capacity to serve as a center of excellence for the North East Region.
He expressed confidence in the University’s ability to drive meaningful change through the collaboration.
The partnership promises substantial benefits for participants, who will not only compete for cash prizes ranging from USD 10,000 to USD 50,000 but also receive invaluable mentorship through an intensive incubation program designed to nurture and scale their ventures.
Additionally, CKT-UTAS will run programs such as the AgriTech Challenge Classic and Pro, providing participants with a platform to pitch their innovative ideas aimed at revolutionizing the agriculture value chain.
This collaboration catapults CKT-UTAS into a select group of institutions across the country, including universities and colleges of agriculture, running similar programs with KIC.
It signifies a commitment to driving innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture, ultimately contributing to sustainable development in the Region and beyond.
With the “AgriTech Challenge” initiative, CKT-UTAS and KIC are poised to cultivate a culture of innovation, empower the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs, and foster impactful change in Ghana’s agricultural landscape.
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Moses Apiah|Ghana
