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The West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) Biotech Innovation and Entrepreneurship project was executed by the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) Innovation and Incubation Hub, in collaboration with the Office of Research, Innovation, and Development (ORID) and the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST), from April 1st to July 27th, 2024.
As sponsored by WACCBIP, the project provided a nurturing environment for biomedical scientists and individuals from diverse fields to explore the intersection of science and entrepreneurship. It consisted of entrepreneurship training courses, an incubation programme, and a funding scheme for exceptional research projects.
Through the engaging activities, including familiarization, introduction to entrepreneurship, ideation, and regulatory body interactions, participants embarked on a transformative journey, gaining insights from industry experts, learning how to pitch to investors, and developing a robust business plan.
Each team had assigned mentors and experts guiding them throughout the project, and upon completion, participants received a Certificate in Essentials of Biotech Entrepreneurship from WACCBIP, UGBS Innovation and Incubation Hub, and IAST. The funding scheme culminated in a pitch competition, where the top two start-ups; HomLav Footwear Sanitation Kit and Wipe 360 received $5,000 each as startup funds to harness their research-driven knowledge and turn it into viable biotech startups.
By equipping participants with the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence, WACCBIP's Biotech Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programme paved the way for innovative solutions to real-world problems, demonstrating the potential for collaboration between academic institutions, research centres, and industry experts to drive innovation and entrepreneurship.
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