The WE-Africa Membrane Knowledge Hub successfully hosted the Business Boost Course at the college from 8th to 12th September 2025. The five-day programme brought together students and young professionals from diverse disciplines to build entrepreneurial skills and translate innovative ideas into sustainable ventures.
The training was facilitated by Mr. Zsolt Gemesi of the International Business School, Budapest, and former Deputy Director of the Climate-KIC Innovation Pipeline at Imperial College London. With over 15 years of experience in climate innovation and start-up development, Mr. Gemesi guided participants through a highly participatory curriculum covering team formation, business model development, financial planning, competitor analysis, intellectual property, and pitching.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Kwadwo Mensah-Darkwa, Co-Principal Investigator of the WE-Africa Membrane Knowledge Hub, emphasised the need to bridge research and entrepreneurship. He noted that while substantial research is conducted in engineering and materials science, its impact depends on commercialisation and market adoption. He urged participants to develop solutions that respond directly to societal needs.
Prof. Mensah-Darkwa cited examples of student-led projects, including a deodorant refill venture that evolved into a profitable business, as evidence of how innovation can start small and scale into meaningful enterprises.
The Principal Investigator of the project, Dr. Bennetta Koomson, encouraged participants to approach the course as a practical journey rather than a theoretical exercise. She highlighted the importance of applying tools such as the Business Model Canvas, market validation, and financial strategies, while also welcoming students with prototypes to showcase and refine their products during the sessions.
Participants expressed their enthusiasm and ambitions during the course. Nana Twumwaa, a first-year Disability and Rehabilitation Studies student, said the programme strengthened her resolve to establish her own business. Esi Ampofo Agyei from Takoradi shared her plan for a community water project to address water shortages in her community, while Civil Engineering student Kwadwo Acheampong spoke of applying the knowledge to tackle infrastructure challenges.
The final day featured group presentations, where participants pitched their refined business models for feedback from facilitators and peers. Each participant received a certificate recognising their completion of the training.
The Ghana edition marked the final delivery of the Business Boost Course in 2025, following earlier sessions in Morocco and Egypt. The initiative forms part of the WE-Africa Membrane Knowledge Hub, a three-year project funded by DAAD and BMZ, which connects African universities and industries to develop sustainable water and energy solutions.
By combining scientific innovation with business training, the programme has further advanced the hub’s mission of equipping Africa’s youth with the knowledge, networks, and entrepreneurial skills needed to drive change.
