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The UGBS Innovation and Incubation Hub, in partnership with The RISA FUND, held a closing ceremony and exhibition for Phase II of the BRIInG Project.




The University of Ghana Business School Innovation and Incubation Hub (UGBS Nest) is driving a major transformation in rural entrepreneurship through the Bridging the Research Innovation-Industry Assimilation Gap (BRIInG) Project funded by the Research and Innovation Systems for Africa (RISA) Fund. This initiative is equipping small rural enterprises with the skills and technology needed to improve food processing, enhance product quality, and access new markets.

 

Since its inception, the BRIInG Project has rolled out two phases. The first phase focused on identifying the specific needs of rural communities and matching them with relevant research innovations. To ensure effective knowledge transfer, UGBS NEST organized a five-day intensive training in collaboration with the Dairy Research Improvement and Innovation Consortium (DRIInC). Entrepreneurs from six communities - Tuobodom, Takoradi, Cape Coast, Dormaa Ahenkro, Atimpoku and Kade were trained in tomato processing, dairy production, fruit preservation, egg powder production, dry ice technology for fish preservation, and improved palm oil processing respectively.




 

Phase Two focused on advancing the work done in Phase One by supporting rural food enterprises in key areas such as product certification, market access, and the provision of makerspaces. Entrepreneurs were guided through the process of obtaining certification for their products from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) to ensure compliance with industry standards. The project also facilitated investor matching, connecting rural businesses with potential funders to scale their operations. This phase also saw the introduction of another community, Tamale, where participants were trained in grain processing and value addition.

 

To ensure long-term sustainability, Phase Two also led to the establishment of the Rural Innovation Network of Ghana (RING) through the creation of the Community Collaborative of Practice (CCoP). This platform facilitates interactions among various stakeholders, including rural entrepreneurs, regulatory bodies, and researchers, connecting key players in the rural innovation ecosystem.

 



Providing a structured platform for the beneficiaries of the project to scale their businesses, leverage shared resources, and improve market access, cooperatives were successfully formed in all the communities involved in the training. These include the Bono East Tomato Producers in Tuobodom, Coastal Fruit Processing Cooperative in Cape Coast, Dam Site Fish Processors Association in Atimpoku, Savannah Sahel Commodities Limited in Tamale, Kwae East Palm Oil Producers Association in Kade, Portside Food Processors Association in Takoradi and the Dormaa Egg Producing Association in Dormaa Ahenkro.

 




Beyond technology transfer, the project has also established the Rural Innovation Network of Ghana (RING), a collaborative platform that fosters engagement among rural entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry stakeholders. By creating a network that connects research institutions with small businesses, the initiative aims to ensure continued knowledge-sharing and business growth beyond the project’s lifespan.

 

Transitioning to the third phase of the BRIInG Project, a close-out and exhibition event was held to showcase the food innovations that have emerged through the BRIInG Project so far. As part of the event, a Retrospective Engagement Session allowed participants to reflect on their journeys, highlight their challenges, and explore new opportunities for collaboration. The close-out event also served as a platform to attract investors interested in supporting rural innovation.



 

The BRIInG Project is reshaping rural economies by linking research with local enterprises. As the next phase unfolds, the project seeks to continue increasing its impact in driving innovation, collaboration, and strategic market integration among rural businesses.



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University of Ghana Business School

UGBS

Innovation and Incubation Hub

Accra, Ghana
0303962877

iihadmin@ug.edu.gh

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