Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC) and Takoradi Technical University (TTU) have announced the call for applications for the AgriTech Challenge classic programme. Nominations are open from April 4th to 5th May 2023. Takoradi Technical University is partnering with KIC to create, train and coach students on entrepreneurship in agribusiness.
The AgriTech Challenge Classic is a 7-month annual training program aimed at developing the interest and building the mindset of students and young graduates to ultimately drive systemic change in Ghana’s agriculture sector. It provides the youth with the right exposure to the agriculture value chain, and networking opportunity to build and grow viable solutions to Ghana’s key agricultural challenges. The programme is being supported by the Mastercard Foundation. The programme first started in 2016. Since then, participants have received coaching, training and mentorship. During the first phase of the KIC AgriTech Challenge Classic programme, KIC worked with five major public universities in five regions of the country to recruit participants in their respective regions. The universities include the University of Ghana, in Greater Accra, SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, in the Upper West region, University of Cape Coast, in the Central region, the University for Development Studies, in the Northern region, and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in the Ashanti region.
This year, 5 additional universities have been included to the programme. These new universities include Ho Technical University, from the Volta Region, Bolgatanga Technical University, from the Upper East Region, Takoradi Technical University (TTU), from the Western Region, Koforidua Technical University, from the Eastern Region and University of Energy and Natural Resources (UNER) from the Bono Region. This brings to a total of 10, the number of universities KIC is partnering with to support youth entrepreneurship in AgriTech and agricultural adjacent value chains, under its multi-partnership agreement with the Mastercard Foundation.
Winners from the AgriTech challenge classic competition will go on to join the Agri Tech Challenge Pro, an accelerator program aiming to support young entrepreneurs to launch and grow commercially viable, scalable solutions to key problems in the agricultural sector. The program aims to drive technology and innovation as a catalyst to enhancing productivity, improving yields, and creating more jobs within Ghana’s agricultural sector.
Speaking about the impact of the programme, Benjamin Gyan-Kesse, the Executive Director for KIC said: At KIC, over the years we have seen business ideas develop and grow through the AgriTech Challenge Classic and progress unto other KIC mentorship programmes. KIC is committed to developing young entrepreneurs to transform the agricultural sector in Ghana with innovation and cutting edge AgriTech. We are looking forward to students taking this opportunity that the AgriTech Challenge Programme provides.”
The Faculty Advisor has been impressed with the quality of the programme over the years in complementing and empowering students from the university’s innovation and incubation hub to develop their business ideas into viable business.
“We are looking forward to new innovations and ideas in this year’s competition and call on all eligible students to apply from their regions,” he/she added.
Through the KIC and the Mastercard Foundation partnership, the AgriTech Challenge Classic expects to train about 4,880 young people across the partner universities in the next four years, collaborating with regional academic partners such as universities and technical schools.
Apply to the KIC AgriTec Challenge Classic by filling the form here.
