The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has launched its first Technology Week 2024 (TWEEK ’24), focusing on connecting academia and industry in Ghana. The event, themed “Transforming Innovations into Sustainable Businesses,” aims to use research and innovations to meet real-world needs and drive the country’s development.
“This week not only highlights the innovative spirit of our students but also embodies the collaborative essence between industry and academia. We aim to transform ideas into viable businesses,” said Professor Kwabena Biritwum Nyarko, Provost of the College of Engineering. He emphasized that the event showcases the combined efforts of academia and industry to turn ideas into practical solutions for real-world problems, potentially leading to new products, processes, and startups.
Organized by the Computer Engineering Department and the Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, the three-day event featured panel discussions, presentations, and exhibitions developed with industry partners. Professor Emmanuel Frimpong, Dean of the Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, highlighted the importance of the event in addressing graduate unemployment. “As a nation, we are very concerned about the high rate of graduate unemployment. It is evident that we cannot rely solely on the government to create the necessary jobs for the many graduates we produce each year,” he stated.
Industry leaders such as David Ofori from NEIP, Telecel Ghana, David Gowu from INNGEN, and Kwadwo Baah Agyemang of Ghana Digital Centres Limited shared their insights on building a vibrant innovation ecosystem in Ghana. Bugyei Elebru, Chief Architect of IT Consultium Limited, called on the government to create an enabling environment for technological advancements. “A thriving innovation ecosystem needs a supportive government that creates an enabling environment for businesses to flourish. This includes policies that encourage investments, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and protect intellectual property,” he said.
KNUST Technology Week 2024 not only celebrates the innovative potential of its students but also demonstrates the crucial role of collaboration between academia and industry in fostering sustainable development and addressing pressing societal challenges in Ghana.
