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On October 2, 2024, participants in the WACCBIP Biotech Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Programme embarked on an insightful tour of Atlantic Lifesciences Limited and Yemaachi Biotech, organised by the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) Innovation and Incubation Hub. This immersive experience offered aspiring biotech entrepreneurs firsthand exposure to Ghana’s biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, equipping them with essential knowledge for their future startups.
The tour began at Atlantic Lifesciences, a well-known pharmaceutical firm in Ghana. Trainees were introduced to the Utility section, where they learned about the machinery used to generate essential utilities for the facility’s processes. Moving through the quality control laboratory, they observed advanced equipment for pharmaceutical testing. A visit to the production section showcased the processes involved in producing large-volume parenteral solutions, an essential component in sterile pharmaceutical production. The group also explored the instrument lab, chemical analysis lab, and stability chamber, gaining insights into the complex procedures that ensure product safety and efficacy.
Smart Bediako, Quality Assurance Manager at Atlantic Lifesciences, shared his enthusiasm about the programme, stating, “WACCBIP’s idea of promoting innovation and entrepreneurship aligns with our values. We believe in innovation and having you here to see our processes and provide feedback was invaluable. I believe these trainees are well-prepared to pursue entrepreneurship and innovation in biotechnology.”
The next stop was Yemaachi Biotech, a cancer genomics company committed to addressing Africa’s healthcare needs through cutting-edge research. Participants learned how Yemaachi is leveraging genetic technologies to drive advancements in cancer diagnostics and precision medicine. By touring Yemaachi’s research labs, they saw firsthand how a biotech startup operates and how scientific discoveries are translated into healthcare solutions with local and global relevance.
Dr. Peter Quashie, Deputy Director of Research at WACCBIP, underscored the significance of the experience, stating, “You cannot have a biotech innovation program without exposure to real biotech and places where people are innovative. This was a critical component of the programme, and we saw two different types of bio-entrepreneurship. We visited a manufacturing plant producing pharmaceutical and vaccine products and then a biotechnology startup, which is still very much research-focused with a bit of service integration. They observed the similarities in terms of quality processes, lab cleanliness, and workflow, as well as the differences: large-scale production facilities for biomanufacturing and more academic-type settings for biotech. They also learned about the unique challenges and opportunities each type faces in creating a new biotech landscape here in Ghana.”
This visit to Atlantic Lifesciences and Yemaachi Biotech provided trainees with a balanced view of the biotech industry, showcasing both large-scale pharmaceutical manufacturing and innovative biotech research.
The tour highlighted WACCBIP’s commitment to equipping its trainees with real-world experience, bridging the gap between scientific innovation and commercial enterprise. The program’s practical approach prepares young scientists to make impactful contributions to Ghana’s biotech sector, fostering entrepreneurial spirit and scientific excellence.
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