Ecofibre Solutions, a team from the University of Ghana, has emerged as the victors of this year’s “Demonstration Day” competition, designed to cultivate and amplify entrepreneurship among students. The winning team was awarded a cheque for 40,000 cedis, a plaque, and a certificate, along with access to training, coaching, and startup resources for six months.
Their winning presentation centred on the innovative concept of transforming rice husks, coconut coir, and pineapple leaves into self-binding fibres to produce biodegradable food packaging and tableware. This environmentally friendly idea impressed the judges with its originality and potential market impact.
The first runner-up position was clinched by Upcraft team, receiving a cheque for GHc 25,000, a plaque, and a certificate. Todeka’s Enterprise secured the second runner-up position, along with a cheque for GHC15,000, a plaque, and a certificate.
The “Student Venture Support Training Programme”, an integral component of the Innovation for African Universities-Ghana Connects Project, served as the framework for the competition. This endeavour strives to motivate students to exhibit their entrepreneurial prowess and is spearheaded by the Office of Research, Innovation, and Development of the University of Ghana in partnership with Imperial College London and the Impact Hub Accra.
Professor Felix Asante, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Research Innovation and Development at the University of Ghana, underscored the triumph of the competition, resulting in the establishment of 285 startups. He also affirmed the intention to extend this programme to universities in the Northern region. The competition has instigated pioneering solutions from the participating teams and has contributed to refining their products and competitiveness in the market.
Prof. Asante commended the winners for their exceptional performance and urged them to leverage their innovations for the betterment of society. Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, outlined the institution’s dedication to establishing an environment conducive to nurturing a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among its students. She underscored that the competition signifies the commencement of remarkable opportunities for the victors.
Ms. Sarah Ranchev-Hale, Head of Enterprise Hub at Imperial College, London, pledged to perpetuate the partnership with the University to foster the creativity of its students. Mr. Kelechi Ofoegbu, Chief Operations Officer of Impact Hub Accra, expressed contentment with the outcomes of the programme in previous editions and noted the evolution and enhancement of students’ entrepreneurial skills.
The winning team conveyed their elation at the accomplishment and pledged to utilise their entrepreneurial skills and innovations to contribute to Africa’s development. The “Demonstration Day” competition has unquestionably kindled and emboldened the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation among the students of the University of Ghana.