The inaugural West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) Biotech Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Boot Camp, a collaborative effort between WACCBIP, University of Ghana Business School Innovation and Incubation Hub (UGBS Nest), Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST), and the University of Ghana Office of Research, Innovation & Development-ORID, took place at the UGBS Innovation and Incubation Hub from April 15th to 19th, 2024 and sought to equip participants with entrepreneurial skills and knowledge that will enable them to create viable businesses within the public health sector.
Dr. Peter Quashie, Deputy Director Research, set the tone on the first day, offering insights into WACCBIP and the essence of the biotech entrepreneurship program followed by introductory remarks by Dr George Acheampong, Coordinator of the UGBS Innovation and Incubation Hub, and salutations from Dr Dodoo Arhin, Director of the Institute of Applied Science and Technology.
Following that, Ms. Sylvia Nyarko and Ms. Susana Rita Bassaw began a session of exploration where participants collaborated in groups, tackling real-life case scenarios with creative solutions projecting workshop objectives including: networking, exposure to innovation, and the cultivation of groundbreaking ideas.
Moving forward with strategies for fostering innovation and effective leadership.Dr. Priscilla Otuo, a lecturer in the Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship, in her presentation, emphasized the need for entrepreneurial insights and navigating challenges inherent in the biotech landscape.
Dr. George Acheampong, then took his turn to present on the realities of the current business world in his lecture titled ‘Today’s business.’ With knowledge born of experience, he delineated the forces at play and the imperative of self-development, echoing the sentiment that success is a collaborative endeavor. He further discussed the forces in the business environment, giving an acronym PESTLE; Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal and Ecological for easy remembrance.
On the second day, Dr. Winfred-Peck Dorleku, Industrial Liaison at WACCBIP and Senior Lecturer at the Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, led the participants through the complex global biotech ecosystem, offering strategic guidance and empowering aspiring entrepreneurs to confidently navigate Africa's biotech terrain.
Regulatory agencies were also in attendance at the boot camp, offering practical insights into their operations and roles within the industry. Edwin Nkansah, the Head of the Vaccines, Vigilance, and Clinical Trials Directorate at the Food and Drugs Authority, illuminated the FDA's functions regarding regulations, policies, procedures, and the broader framework governing the biotech industry under the FDA's purview.
Engaging discussions through an enthralling fireside chat hosting Ms. Aida Manu, Director of Operations and Regulatory Affairs at Yemaachi Biotech, and Dr. Anthony Laud Basing, CEO of Incas Diagnostics. Moderated by Dr. Quashie, this session offered invaluable insights into their biotech journeys, overcoming obstacles, fundraising strategies, and served as a wellspring of inspiration for participants venturing into similar endeavors.
Day 3 commenced with Dr. Stephen Mahama Braimah, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship, University of Ghana Business School’s lecture advocating for strategic scaling, emphasizing the crucial role of product development in establishing sustainable growth. He highlighted the significance of product development in achieving competitive advantage, boosting revenue, ensuring customer satisfaction, and fostering adaptability. Additionally, he delineated the array of challenges inherent in product management, including resource limitations, marketing unpredictability, technological obsolescence, and regulatory compliance.
Dr. Henry Ofosuhene Sintim, a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Applied Science and Technology, proceeded to explore the complexities of Operations Management Planning, facilitating smooth startup operations and offering advice on optimizing operational sequences for a successful launch.
Concluding the day with his presentation, emphasizing the importance of prototyping in validating business ideas. Dr. Winfred-Peck Dorleku explained moving from tangible representations to early feedback and testing assumptions.
On the final day of the workshop, Prof. Gordon Awandare, Director of WACCBIP, attended the boot camp to extend his greetings to the participants and emphasize the importance of approaching the workshop with dedication, underscoring its relevance to their prospects.
Dr. Stephen Braimah and Dr. Raphael Odoom took over and illuminated the path to enterprise development and consumer-centric marketing, respectively, propelling the participants towards entrepreneurial excellence.
The climax of the workshop buzzed with excitement at UGBS as attendees received certificates and a networking session fostering deeper connections among participants.
Here's to a future of innovation and impact!
