Our Projects
BRIInG Project
In the pursuit of its mission, UGBS Nest has witnessed remarkable success through the
implementation of the 'Bridging the Research Innovation-Industry Assimilation Gap through
Technology Capacity Building in Rural Ghana' (BRIInG) project: under a bigger umbrella of RISA
Phase 1.
IAU (Connecting Accra Project)
Embarked on a journey of entrepreneurship with our startup incubation program. Participants gained access to resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
HOLLARD STREETWISE CHALLENGE
Participated in tech accelerator programs to fast-track the development of innovative ideas into viable products. Students benefitted from industry expertise and funding support.
S+T+ARTS4AFRICA
STARTS4AFRICA is a collaborative project between the UGBS Innovation and Incubation hub
and PiNA, co-funded by the European Union. It revolves around Challenge No.7 dubbed
“Coding Ghanaian Culture: Reimagining Nsadwase NkÉ”mÉ” for Contemporary Relevance”. The
challenge seeks digital artists to reimagine Anansesem and Palm wine music within the
context of Nsadwase Nkɔmɔ to make it more appealing to younger generations and ensure its
continued vitality. Nsadwase Nkɔmɔ is a monthly gathering that celebrates Anansesem
storytelling, Palm wine music, and other cultural performances, serving as a vibrant
expression of Ghanaian heritage. However, these cultural traditions are increasingly
disconnected from the youth. This initiative seeks to rejuvenate the traditions of Anansesem
storytelling and Palm wine music, which are in decline, within the Nsadwase Nkɔmɔ context.
Artists will be challenged to create digital interpretations that engage the youth while
preserving traditional values. The residency lasts for six months (April 2024 to September 2024)
during which the artist or team of artists will explore various technologies such as interactive
storytelling platforms, virtual reality, and immersive audio experiences. This technological
exploration aims to create a participatory and immersive experience that goes beyond
traditional performance boundaries, turning Nsadwase Nkɔmɔ into an interactive journey
through Ghanaian cultural stories. The UGBS Innovation hub will host the residency,
offering a collaborative environment for artists, cultural experts, and technologists to
envision a digital future for the Nsadwase Nkɔmɔ Performance Circle. After the residency,
the artist is expected to have presentable artwork to be included in international exhibitions
like the Ars Electronica Festival.
WACCBIP Biotech Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program
The WACCBIP Biotech Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program is carefully designed to
provide a nurturing and immersive environment, where biomedical scientists together with
individuals from diverse fields come together to explore the fascinating intersection of
science and entrepreneurship. The programme consists of an entrepreneurship training course,
an incubation programme, and a funding scheme for exceptional research projects.
This project was executed in collaboration with the University of Ghana Business School
(UGBS) Innovation and Incubation Hub, the Office of Research, Innovation and Development
(ORID), and the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST). This tailored
entrepreneurship program aims to bridge the gap between scientific brilliance and
entrepreneurial acumen, empowering scientists to harness their research-driven knowledge
and turn it into viable, successful biotech startups. Participants will embark on an exhilarating
journey that will equip them with the tools, strategies, and insights needed to transform
their cutting-edge research into real-world solutions.
By the end of the program, participants will not only have developed a robust business
plan but will also gain the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence to navigate the
entrepreneurial landscape successfully after participating in the Biotech Startup
Incubation Programme. WACCBIP, UGBS Innovation Hub and the IAST awarded
trainees a Certificate in Essentials of Biotech Entrepreneurship.
ENNOVERGE CHALLENGE
The UGBS Innovation and Incubation Hub in partnership with Chemsolv, DatrixSolution and
Pconverge virtually launched Ennoverge Challenge on November 8, 2023.
Ennoverge is a visionary initiative that unites multiple companies from the energy sector and
other related industries, fostering collaboration and unleashing innovation. The program is not
just tackling industry challenges but also nurturing the leaders of tomorrow and opening doors
for students through exclusive internship programs.
This project seeks to identify and engage enthusiastic and innovative university students who
are eager to join forces with petroleum companies to address real-world challenges. As such,
during the process, students were taken through series of training sessions such as Pitch DNA,
Design thinking, and series of pitch practices. The challenge had a total of 21 students
participating from its inception, ten students were selected for the final pitch day on
December 15, 2023, after a rigorous evaluation process.
The "Energy Innovation Convergence" gave a platform for companies to connect with other
industry leaders, academic institutions, facilitating valuable partnerships and collaborations.
The challenge offered students the chance to engage in internships, with the possibility of
retaining these students to work for these respectable organizations.
ESICDP
The role of universities has evolved into a driving force for change and a significant contributor to
economic advancement in their local communities. With a diverse range of academic programs,
universities are instrumental in arming graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to fuel
the growth of both emerging and established enterprises. Additionally, universities serve as
nurturing grounds for innovative ideas, fostering creativity and aiding in the transformation of
concepts into successful commercial ventures. Nevertheless, a notable gap exists in providing a
comprehensive entrepreneurship manual to guide the operations of entrepreneurship centers and
innovation hubs within higher education institutions. In response to this gap, the British Council and
the UGBS Innovation Hub have collaboratively initiated the development of an open-source
entrepreneurial manual as part of the Enterprise Support and Incubation Curriculum Development
project, completing Phase One. This report outlines the undertaken activities, and
achievements and sets the trajectory for future phases.
Collaborative Ecosystem
We collaborate seamlessly with your existing ecosystem to provide a holistic approach to innovation and incubation. Our goal is to integrate with your resources and networks for mutual success.