Author: webmaster

Research is an essential component of tertiary education as society considers universities as its think tank. As a result, Vice Chancellors of Technical Universities, Ghana (VCTUG) have instituted a Biennial Applied Research Conference of Technical Universities in Ghana (ARCTUG). The focus is to disseminate research findings and exhibits for technology transfer as our contribution to TVET development employment creation in Ghana.

The third (3rd) in the series, was hosted by Sunyani Technical University from May 28 to June 1, 2024. Participants spanned all research institutions in Ghana, Africa, and the international community.

As part of the conference, all Technical Universities (TUs) were mandated to exhibit innovative ideas. Accordingly, Koforidua Technical University submitted a number of new products. These included roofing and floor tiles made from plastic waste, interlocking blocks from waste materials, timbercrete, Artificial Intelligence/IoT Electrical Management System, Automated Chlorine Generator and improved water treatment system.

After an evaluation by a team of experts, Koforidua Technical University ranked third (3rd) in the exhibition and this a testament to the progress the University is making in developing new products in fulfilment of its third mandate, community development.

The exhibitors included Dr. Alexander Fordjour, King Solomon Akorli, Emmanuel Tetteh Narteh, Kwadwo Asamoah Oku-Afari, Jeannet Nnennaya Igwe Onwukwe, Tijani Ahmed Semadu, Isaac Ayittey, Adika Hubert, Bryan Acheampong, Stephen Appiah and Godfred Kwakye Addo.

In addition to the exhibitor were presentation of papers by Dr. Enock Mintah Ampaw, Maxwell Hubert Antwi, King Solomon Akorli, Isaac Tornyi, among other.

The delegation was led by Prof. Samuel Kwofie, the Director of Research and Innovation and assisted by Ms. Patience Kwakyewa Asirifi, the Administrator of the Research and Innovation Directorate

Management of the University, led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Owusu, lauded the efforts of all the participants and encouraged further commitment for groundbreaking innovations.

Koforidua Technical University, having implemented successfully, the first (1st) year of Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC) AgriTech Challenge Classic and Pro 2023, has commenced activities for the 2024 edition.
With a total of Two Hundred and Fifty-One (251) people billed to participate in the programme, orientation and capacity-building sessions were conducted from June 17-21, 2024 at Abba Bentil Andam Theatre, Koforidua Technical University, Koforidua.

As part of the orientation, participants were briefed on the objectives and expectations of the programme, the essence of psychology in entrepreneurship (psychological aspects of entrepreneurship), the calendar and the curriculum for the programme and an introduction to Google Classroom which is the main interphase for communication and submission of assignments. They were also introduced to Agripreneurship and the Agric value chain, business concept and Agric financial management.

The participants were also taken through various capacity-building sessions on Agri policy and regulations, Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate (PPRSD), design thinking, prototyping, software and hardware platforms, Climate smart agriculture Business Model Canvas (BMC) and identifying Target User Personas.

They further received training in leadership and organisational management, HR: structure, job design, analysis and documentation as well as compliance issues relating to standardisation and certifications from Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Other key areas of focus included Digital Marketing and strategies for effective presentations as well as market research insights into products/ service concepts. In addition to the above were experience sharing sessions with KIC Fellows and businessmen and women encourage participants.

This was well attended and participants expressed their excitement at the programme and noted that it was highly informative.
We wish to express our appreciation to KIC for their support and we hope that the participants will make good use of the information shared to enable more Teams to emerge winners at the end of the challenge.

God bless KIC!
God bless KTU!

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.

KIC and Mastercard Foundation have announced the call for applications for the 2024 AgriTech Challenge classic program. Nominations are open from March 18^th till April 19^th, 2024. The program is being organised in collaboration with 16 participating universities across the country, to train and coach students on entrepreneurship within the agribusiness sector.

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 opportunities to build and grow viable solutions to Ghana’s key agricultural challenges. This programme is part of a wider partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. Since commencing in 2016, more than 3,500 young people have received coaching, training and mentorship.

This year’s application window is beginning with awareness creation of the opportunities within the agribusiness sector and introducing young people to the agricultural value chain. Special events for young women, dubbed the Women’s Bootcamp will also be organised to encourage more young women to venture into agribusiness.

Sixteen (16) universities across the country are participating in this year’s competition. This comprises 10 universities, already on the program namely; the University of Ghana (UG), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), University of Cape Coast (UCC), Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU), Takoradi Technical University (TTU), Ho Technical University (HTU), Koforidua Technical University (KTU), University of Development Studies (UDS), SD Dombo University of Business &  Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS), and University of Energy and Natural Resource (UENR).

An additional 6 universities will also be participating for the first time this year. These are CK Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences; Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development; Damongo Agricultural College; Kwadaso Agricultural College; Ejura Agricultural College & Mechanization Center and OHAWU Agricultural College. In addition, this year, a new component has been introduced to the program, with a focus on primary agricultural production, to encourage interested young people to go into commercial farming.

Speaking about the impact of the AgriTech Challenge Classic program, 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 programs. 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 Program provides.”

Last year’s AgriTech Challenge was very keenly contested, and we were impressed with the innovations, especially around sustainability, climate action and circular economies. This shows the potential of agriculture to create jobs that impact other industries.

Prof. Samuel Kwofie, the Faculty Advisor for Koforidua Technical University, 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 businesses.

“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.

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.

Through the KIC and the Mastercard Foundation partnership, the AgriTech Challenge Classic expects to train young people across the partner universities in the next four years, collaborating with regional academic partners such as universities and technical schools.

Visit the link below to apply

https://bit.ly/2024KICClassicApply

PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE 12TH INTERNATIONAL APPLIED RESEARCH CONFERENCE

THEME: “ACHIEVING THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS) IN THE POST-COVID ERA: THE ROLE OF RESEARCH, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER”

20TH – 23RD JUNE, 2023

Please download it below

[download id=’1389′]

Koforidua Technical University (KTU) is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC) Foundation LBG to implement the Agri-Tech Challenge and Incubation Modules with support from Mastercard Foundation.

This three (3) year MoU will serve as a framework for collaboration between the two organizations on projects that will generate youth interest, and change mindsets to result in creating job opportunities in the agricultural sector.

The project will further provide knowledge products and sources of research information for AgriTechies for capacity building, as well as establish an AgriTech Maker Lab on the KTU campus to facilitate product and technology development.

As part of the agreement, Kosmos Innovation Center and Koforidua Technical University will work together to promote entrepreneurship, technology transfer, and economic growth in the agricultural sector. Additionally, the Parties will supervise and implement the KIC-NSS initiative at the University level.

It is hoped that this partnership will further build a strong innovation ecosystem in the region and promote a positive attitude towards agriculture.

We also look forward to exploring new opportunities for innovation and growth together. With the combined efforts of both organizations, we are confident that we can achieve greater things and make a positive impact on society.

Call For Papers/Practitioner Presentations/Posters and Exhibits

Objectives

• Provide a platform for the discussion of research findings, Practitioners’ Presentations and dialogue
• Build effective collaboration between academia, Industry and other Research Institutions
• Provide opportunities for businesses to exhibit their products and services as well as create investment opportunities

Thematic Areas

• Agriculture, agric-business, and agro-processing in attaining the sustainable development goals
• Water, energy, environment and climate change
• Business, management and administration, and the sustainable development goals
• Hospitality, tourism, creative arts and sustainable development goals
• Health and safety and the sustainable development goals
• Science (Engineering. Built and Natural Environment), Innovation and technology transfer and sustainable development goals
• Intellectual Property Management and sustainable development
• The media, Journalism and sustainable development and growth

Type of Presentations

• Main Conference Paper Presentations
• Practitioner Presentations and Panel Discussions
• Video Presentations
• Poster Presentations
• Technology fair

Submission Timelines

•  Submission of abstract – April 30th 2023
• Communication of acceptance of abstracts – May 4, 2023
• Submission of full paper – May 18, 2023
• Communication of acceptance of full papers – May 31, 2023

Registration Fees

• Local participants: GHc600
• Local participants (Students): GHc300
• International participants: USD100

All documents should be uploaded to https://www.dri.ktu.edu.gh/iarctf

submission guidelines: https://www.dri.ktu.edu.gh/iarctf

All accepted papers will be published in the book of proceedings with an ISBN. High-quality papers will, however, be published in a special issue of the International Journal of Technology and Management Research (IJTMR) indexed in Google Scholar, Index Copernicus, Advance Science Index, and Crossref

Networking events

welcome reception/informal social evening, site visits/excursion and awards night

Research is a tool that unlocks the unknown, enables one to explore the world from different perspectives, and fuels a deeper understanding making it an essential part of success. As an essential mandate of universities, Koforidua Technical University is taking cutting-edge research to fulfil its third responsibility and role as the think-tank of society.

As the Directorate of Research and Innovation, the research administration arm of this Institution seeks to develop the University into a world-class applied research institution through strategic coordination and technology transfer and has instituted Faculty Seminar Series.  The focus of this programme is to build the capacity of staff for improved quality research output whiles increasing the research output of the University. This platform, in consequence, provides the opportunity for sharing knowledge and helps deepen the sense of community among members of the Faculty.

This over the period has been successful and yielded the desired results as some members of staff have been named as part of the Top 1000 scientists in Ghana for 2022.

The 2^nd Annual Applied Research Conference of Technical Universities under the theme “Sustainable Technologies, Innovations and Entrepreneurial Development”, took place at the Accra Technical University Auditorium, Accra from the 6^th to the 8^th of July, 2022.

The conference saw participation from all ten (10) Technical Universities in Ghana as well as other local and international institutions and two members of Staff Maxwell Hubert Antwi, Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Emmanuel Agyenim-Boateng, Department of Mechanical Engineering presented papers.

As part of the activities of the Conference, all TUs were expected to exhibit various innovations from respective staff and students. As a result, Koforidua Technical University presented various innovative items, designs and prototypes to the admiration of all participants. Representing the University from the Faculty of Engineering were Ing. John Abban, Samuel Asamoah, Dr. Alex Fordjour, Fabian Kofi Baah and Eric Kojo Kweitsu. The Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology was represented by Matilda Opoku and Maxwell Adu whiles the Faculties of Built and Natural Environment and Health and Allied Sciences were represented by Dr. Prince George Aning-Agyei, Isaac Ayitey, Gonne Felix and Kwadwo Owusu-Ansah respectively.  These exhibitors were also supported by staff and students namely Bernard Owusu Aboagye, Brelyn Aboagye, Ernest Takyi, Matthew Tetteh, and Gabriel Setor Hormeku.

The Directorate of Research and Innovation, represented by the Director and Administrator, Dr. Samuel Kwofie and Patience Kwakyewa Asirifi respectively, were also present to support the Team.

It is our desire for the KTU attains the status of a world-class centre for applied research and technology transfer.