HUSK TECHNOLOGIES, an agritech company, and manufacturer of an automated mobile cocoa pod-breaking machine has emerged as the winner of the maiden edition of the National Innovation Challenge organized by the National Entrepreneurship Innovation Programme (NEIP) in partnership with the Ministry of Finance.
The National Innovation Challenge is a challenge that seeks to reward the best 10 innovations and business ideas geared towards supporting innovative and new Ghanaian entrepreneurs right from scratch through an application portal.
The competition was on the theme: “Creating Sustainable Development Through Collaboration Innovation and Commercialization” and also aimed at inculcating and nurturing an innovation culture amongst the Ghanaian population whilst finding practical innovative solutions to everyday problems.
The National Innovative Challenge opened its portal to individuals, startups, and organizations to apply starting in September with no age restrictions, and applicants from various backgrounds and locations are encouraged to apply.
The final pitching which which was held yesterday at the Accra Digital Center saw 10 contestants pitch their various innovative ideas to the judges.
Chief Executive Officer of HUSK TECHNOLOGIES, Nii Arday Ardayfio who received GH¢100,000 as the winner commended NEIP and the Ministry of Finance for introducing such a competition to the youth to pitch their innovative ideas.
Adding that the cash will go a long way to enable his company to commercialize their app to the farmers.
Nullwood Fabrications came second and Smart Code Academy third receiving GH¢70,000 and GH¢50,000 respectively. Fourth to Tenth position took home GH¢10,000 each.
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of NEIP Ms. Abigail Swad Laryea mentioned that the National Innovation Challenge is an initiative that seeks to uncover and foster innovative ideas from persons who are visionary but need the necessary boost and upliftment to enable them to harness raw ideas to their maximum potential.
“One of the cornerstones of this competition has been the focus on creating opportunities for everyone in this country. Recognizing the immense potential that lies within us, the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program envisioned this challenge to not only support but encourage all of us to harness our creativity and drive in the realm of innovation”.
“Alongside many direct interventions in entrepreneurship, we have persisted with our mission to further lubricate the Innovation Ecosystem. The Innovation Week was launched to provide tailor-made interventions towards achieving a vibrant and robust innovation culture. Accordingly, we have enacted key programmes including:
i The Innovation Symposium and Showcase
ii The National Stemnovation Competition
iii And continuously participated in the Ghana Digital Innovation week
With the expansion of the African economy and the establishment of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA), Ghana could only benefit from such an integrated African market if it has innovation-driven entrepreneurs who can take advantage of the system and the environment”.
She noted that NEIP will provide monitoring and guidance for all the 10 contestants to become successful.