By Mildred Siabi-Mensah
Takoradi, Dec. 19, GNA – The Youth Innovation Circles under the Young Africa Innovates initiative sponsored by the UNDP and MasterCard foundation, has rewarded three “Atypical” Innovators within the Western Region.
They are Aquabite, Everon Essentials, and Extech Agricultural Services.
The winner, Aquabite, manufacturers of fish feed with cocoa placenta, took home 10,000 cedis, Everon Essentials, a female-led Enterprise, placed second received 7000 cedis while Extech Agricultural Services took third position for 5000 cedis.
Such Atypical Innovators, under the project hosted by Hapaspace Collaborative Hub, the implementers, were focused on empowering young genius and problem solvers from peri-urban, marginalized communities and population to ensure that such entrepreneurial abilities were nurtured for job creation and economic development.
Mr. Albert Opoku, Co-founder of Hapaspace, an entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub said at the Pitching and Demonstration Day event that the project targeted persons aged 18-35 while Persons Living with Disability was extended to 40 years.
He said such” geniuses were often overlooked as entrepreneurs, but through peer learning, mentorship, exposure, and maker space retooling, they are being built to contribute to SMEs’ growth in their locality and the nation.
Madam Francisca Ansah, the Regional Manager for the Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Industry praised the innovators adding; “innovation is rewarding and critical to business success.”
She urged them to be original in solving societal problems
Mr. Erasmus Mensah-Ackon, the Executive Director of Duapa Werkspace, reminded beneficiaries to be time-conscious and follow regulations to thrive.
All three winners pledged to commit the funds to certification processes, machinery, and improving their physical structures.
In all, 12 SMEs took part in the pitching contest.
GNA