UGBS Innovation and Incubation Hub Concludes Another Phase of UG-ICL Student Venture Support Project

The University of Ghana Business School Innovation and Incubation Hub (UGBS IIH), in collaboration with the Office of Research Innovation and Development (ORID) and Impact Hub Accra successfully concluded another phase of the UG-Imperial College London Student Venture Support Project (UG-ICL SVSP). This edition funded by Imperial College London, was designed to strengthen the innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem across universities.

The project ran from May 14 to July 24, 2024. It provided comprehensive support to university students, including training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to nurture their entrepreneurial ventures and enhance their business development skills.

Executing the project, UGBS NEST organised extensive entrepreneurial training sessions, covering essential topics such as Design Thinking, Value Proposition Mapping, Lean Methodology, Pitching and Storytelling, and Business Fundamentals. These sessions, which began on May 15 and ended on July 6, 2024, were crucial in preparing the student teams for the project's Pre-Demo Day pitch competition.

On July 24, 2024, the Pre-Demo Day pitch competition was held at the West African Centre for Cell Biology and Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) Conference Hall. The competition featured 23 teams comprising 81 participants who were selected through an open application process.

The panel evaluated the teams based on their problem-solving potential, innovation, market potential, business model, and social impact. At the end of the competition, five top teams were selected to advance to the final pitch competition, which took place on July 19, 2024.

In preparation for Pitch Day, UGBS NEST and Impact Hub Accra hosted an intensive pitch training session for the top five teams. This session was designed to equip the teams with the skills and confidence to deliver impactful presentations during the final event.

At the end of the competition, the top three startups, Ecofibre, Upcraft, and Toudeka Enterprise, were awarded funds to support their ventures, having emerged as the first, second, and third-place winners, respectively.