The University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) in Somanya is equipping students with the tools to drive innovation in Ghana’s agricultural sector through its entrepreneurship incubation hub. The recently held final pitch day of the university’s THINK Network Incubation Hub showcased groundbreaking ideas, with Biogel FarmTech emerging as the top startup for its eco-friendly organic fertilizer solution.
The THINK Network, a Tertiary Hub for Innovation and Knowledge, provides students with a platform to develop practical, market-driven solutions to pressing environmental and sustainability issues. With Ghana’s agriculture sector facing increasing challenges due to climate change, initiatives like these are proving essential in fostering sustainable solutions.
The competition saw eight student-led startups pitching their innovative ideas to a panel of judges, but Biogel FarmTech stood out. The team developed an organic, water-soluble fertilizer designed to enhance soil fertility and improve water retention, ensuring crop sustainability even during drought conditions.
This innovation comes at a critical time as Ghanaian farmers grapple with unpredictable rainfall patterns and soil degradation. PBC Aquafeed, which secured second place, focused on sustainable fish feed production, while Eastside Industries Ghana, which placed third, presented an eco-friendly industrial manufacturing concept.
Dr. Felicia Annin, Head of the Research, Innovation, and Consultancy Unit (RICU) at UESD, highlighted how the THINK Network is bridging the gap between academia and industry. “Our goal is to create a stronger relationship between universities and industries, providing students with practical learning experiences, internships, and access to mentorship opportunities,” she stated.
With support from the British Council, each of the four participating universities in the THINK Network, including UESD, received a €4,000 grant to enhance student-driven entrepreneurial projects. This funding allows students to turn their ideas into scalable businesses, fostering job creation and economic growth.
Professor Eric Nyarko-Sampson, Vice-Chancellor of UESD, commended the students for their ingenuity and resilience. “These young innovators are not just students; they are the future business leaders and problem solvers of Ghana. We will continue to support them to ensure their ideas make a tangible impact,” he said.
As Biogel FarmTech advances to the national-level incubation hub pitch in Accra, the initiative underscores the increasing role of higher education institutions in promoting entrepreneurship and sustainable solutions to Ghana’s pressing environmental and agricultural challenges.
