The Department of Computer Engineering of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, has held its maiden Technology Week dubbed “Tweek 2024” under the theme “From the Breadboard to the Boardroom: Transforming Innovations into Sustainable Businesses.” The event was held from 30th July to 1st August 2024 at the KNUST School of Business Block C Auditorium.
The Head of the Department, Professor Emmanuel Kofi Akowuah, revealed that the three-day event aimed at creating a dynamic platform for showcasing innovations, fostering collaboration between industry and academia, and discussing on the latest technological trends. He added that the event formed part of the Departmental initiatives aimed at giving final year students the exposure and platform to interact and showcase their innovations with industry with the overall objective of transforming them into sustainable businesses either through cocreation or uptake and transformation into viable products by existing industries.
Professor Akowuah stated, "We stand at the threshold of a transformative era, where we bridge the gap from 'The Breadboard to The Boardroom.' Our primary objective is to transform the sparks of our students' innovations into the flames of sustainable businesses. Each innovation begins as a distant dream, a flicker of curiosity, but with determination, these flickers can become beacons of progress and prosperity."
In his welcome address, Professor Kwabena Biritwum Nyarko, Provost of the College of Engineering, emphasised the theme's focus on the practical application of theoretical knowledge and the importance of collaboration between academia and industry to address societal challenges. He highlighted the event's significance in advancing knowledge, innovation, and entrepreneurship within the College. He noted that the Department regularly organises seminars, field trips, internships, workshops, maker spaces, student clubs, career fairs, technology weeks, and exhibitions to prepare students for the professional world. He mentioned that the event aims to incubate ideas and transform them into tangible solutions for real-world problems. He noted that the goal is to foster dialogue, exchange ideas, and develop new products, processes, and startups which positions the event as a catalyst for future technology and innovation. "This event reaffirms our dedication to creating meaningful, impactful research that resonates within the industry and society at large," he added.
Mr. Franklin Eleblu, Chief Software Architect at IT Consortium, in his keynote address, noted that their mission is to solve problems holistically by adapting technologies to create systems that provide clear competitive advantages to customers. He said that technology has the power to transform lives, and young innovators are at the forefront of this transformation agenda.
He stressed the need for collaboration with industry to foster innovation among young innovators, stating that building a sustainable business requires understanding the market, developing a sound business model, and effectively managing finances. He encouraged the participants to get mentors who would challenge their ideas, foster a culture of collaboration and work with talented individuals who share the same vision.
A panel discussion on creating a vibrant innovation ecosystem was held with industry partners sharing their insights and experiences on the theme of the event.
Industry partners that supported the event included; Telecel Ghana, National Information Technology Agency (NITA), National Communication Authority (NCA), Ghana Digital Centre, Solar Taxi, Nalo Solutions, INNGEn, Institute of ICT Professional Ghana (IIPGH), National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), and Security Shade Ltd.
