The Office of Research, Innovation and Development has launched the Startup Alumni Network under the Student Venture Support Programme (SVSP). The Startup Alumni Network will facilitate sustainable pathways for business enterprises established by UG student-led teams through the erstwhile ‘Innovation for African Universities” (IAU) initiative and future innovation programmes. The launch took place on Wednesday, 19th June 2024 at the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation Research at the University of Ghana.
In his welcome remarks, Prof. Felix Asante, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Development noted that since the inception of the programme which commenced with the IAU initiative, 303 students have received training and 85 student-led businesses have been setup. He thanked the programme partners, Imperial College, London and Impact Hub Accra for their contributions towards nurturing the business acumen of young students. He referred to a recent visit by student teams to Imperial College, London to present business proposals and engage with key actors in the entrepreneurial ecosystem at Imperial.
Prof. Maggie Dallman, Vice-President (International) and Associate Provost, Academic at Imperial College, expressed delight at the ‘great partnership’ with UG, KNUST and UCC noting that the collaboration was part of other initiatives in education and innovation that complement Imperial College London’s new programme of ‘Interdisciplinary Science for Humanity’. She hoped that other similar programmes will be developed in line with Imperial’s flagship initiative known as Imperial Global; the second of such ventures was to be launched in Ghana later in the year.
Mr. Will Senyo of Impact Hub, Accra stated that the SVSP programme had created a path for students to aspire to become entrepreneurs and potential employers. He encouraged student teams to make the best of the opportunities offered.
Mrs Mammie Hutchful, Senior Research Development Officer at ORID, thanked all partners, students and guests for their support.