The University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Somanya, Eastern Region emerged as a leading force in student-led innovation at the recently concluded ESICD Hubs Innovation Grants Final Pitch Competition. The event, hosted at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) – North Campus, saw Sankofa Industries Ghana, a student start-up from UESD, win the top prize with their sustainable business idea centered on mango puree production.
The ESICD Hubs Innovation Grants initiative is spearheaded by the British Council in partnership with the Tertiary Hubs for Innovation and Knowledge (THINK) Network. It is part of a broader effort to foster collaboration between higher education institutions while nurturing entrepreneurial talent and supporting sustainable, community-driven innovation.
On behalf of the Vice-Chancellor of UEW, Winneba, Professor Sakina Acquah, Head of Department of Basic Education, described the occasion as more than just a pitch event, calling it a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the entrepreneurial spirit defining today’s youth. She acknowledged the foundational role played by the British Council and THINK Network through the Enterprise Support and Incubation Curriculum Development (ESICD) Project, which supported four pioneering institutions to develop incubation programs. She noted that, the students’ journey from concept to pitch represents months of hard work, mentorship, and innovation, addressing real-world issues in agriculture, technology, education, and business.
Eleven start-up groups from four Universities; UESD, Cape Coast Technical University, C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences, and University of Education, Winneba participated in the final pitch. Representing UESD were three teams: Nsoroma Agrotech, MED Aquafeeds, and Sankofa Industries Ghana. Each team had five minutes to present their ideas, which were evaluated based on originality, problem-solving relevance, potential to create jobs, sustainability, market potential, and presentation skills, reflecting the programme’s mission to equip young people with 21st-century skills and entrepreneurial experience.
Sankofa Industries Ghana, made up of Aaron Tawiah Blagodzi (BSc. Energy and Resource Economics), Anyane Benjamin Ansu (BSc. Sustainable Development), and Godson Etsri (BSc. Energy Sustainability), won first place with their pitch focused on producing fresh, high-quality mango puree. Their innovation offers a locally produced and affordable alternative to imported puree products, contributing to agricultural value addition and export potential. The team was awarded a 15 thousand cheque to support further development of their business.
MED Aquafeeds, also from UESD, placed second and received a 10 thousand cedi cheque. The group, represented by Christopher Dagbui (BSc. Aquaculture Resource Management), Pearl Ayivor (BSc. Sustainable Development), and Bless Matey Asare (BSc. Water Resource Development), pitched a business model for producing high-quality fish feed using alternative, locally sourced raw materials. Their solution addresses both the environmental impact of imported feeds and the cost challenges faced by local aquaculture farmers.
Another UESD team, Nsoroma Agrotech, placed fifth overall, reinforcing UESD’s strong showing and dedication to fostering innovation among its students.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the British Council Country Director, Mr. Andrew Entsua-Mensah, Project Manager for the Social and Creative Arts Enterprise at the British Council, commended UEW, for hosting the event and commended the student innovators. He described the competition as a celebration of courage, creativity, and enterprise, and reaffirmed the British Council’s commitment to connecting education, innovation, and youth opportunity.
President of the THINK Network, Dr. Keren Arthur, expressed appreciation to stakeholders and reminded participants that the experience, knowledge, and partnerships gained are lasting achievements. She noted that every student who participated walked away with enhanced practical skills, broadened networks, and entrepreneurial readiness for the future.
In her closing remarks, the President of THINK Network, Dr. Keren Arthur emphasized that every participant was a winner, having gained new knowledge, friendships, and practical skills to carry into future opportunities. She also expressed gratitude to the University for hosting the event, to Think Network for its support, and to partner institutions for their collaboration.
The event wrapped up with a group photo session, bringing together all participants, faculty, and partners in a memorable celebration of teamwork and innovation.
The UESD teams were accompanied by Dr. Kwaku Adu, Coordinator of the UESD Innovation and Incubation Hub, Dr. Rahmat Quaigrane Duker, who served as a mentor to the student competitors, Mr. Kingsley Adomako an administrator for UESD Innovation Hub and Mr. Justice Dzadze a past student of UESD, and a supporter to the innovators.