Koforidua Technical University was privileged to participate in the Kosmos Innovation AgriTech Challenge Classic and Pro 2023 with two (2) teams winning a total of USD$20,000. These Teams are Paco Paper Ltd. and Green Heart SC which are environmentally-responsive start-ups.
Paco Paper Ltd, with co-founders – Edwins Baah, Nathan Emmanuel Takyi, Rashida Yin Yarigah and Eugenia Martey, manufactures paper products using coconut husk and palm bunches whiles Greenheart SC, with Caleb Lomo, Benjamin Dompreh and Priscilla Gilberts as co-founders, carbonises agricultural waste into biochar soil conditioners, feed enhancers and pesticides spray for pest control and improved farm yields.
Presenting the award to the Management of the University, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Owusu, lauded the commitment of the Team members and the Technical Team – Prof. Samuel Kwofie, Ms. Patience Kwakyewa Asirifi, Dr. Benjamin Kwofie and Mr. Godfried Boafo, as well as the Programme Officer, Ms. Akosua Kyerewaa Twumasi for this feat.
They encouraged the startups to work hard for the sustainability of their businesses and promised to provide the institutional support required for growth.
They further expressed appreciation to Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC) for the business development support and funding for the success of the programme. KIC is a not-for-profit organization that invests and supports young entrepreneurs and small businesses with viable ideas in the agriculture value chain with capacity-building seed funding.
The winners also expressed appreciation to the Management of the University, the Technical Team and KIC for the capacity building and seed funding.
We believe that with the support of KIC, KTU will be able to churn out more start-ups in the Agric space to reduce youth employment.
