Godsway Awusi, an MPhil Fellow at the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), led his team, Ecofibre Solutions, to emerge as the overall winners of the 2024 Demo Day Student Enterprise Pitch Competition at the University of Ghana.

The team secured the ultimate prize of GHS 40,000 and a plaque for their outstanding innovation.

The competition, organized by the University of Ghana’s Office of Research, Innovation and Development (ORID) with support from Imperial College London and Impact Hub Accra, showcased pitches from five top teams selected during the pre-demo day event. Awusi’s team, Ecofibre Solutions, develops biodegradable food packaging made from plant residues such as rice husks. Their innovation aims to reduce waste, promote sustainable practices, and advance eco-friendly solutions in both the agricultural and packaging industries.

WACCBIP’s involvement in nurturing talented researchers like Awusi reflects the Centre’s dedication to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among students. Commenting on the importance of such initiatives, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo , Vice-Chancellor, emphasized,

“We believe that nurturing student businesses is not just an addition to academic excellence, but a vital component.”

Prof. Felix Ankomah Asante, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Development, welcomed attendees with an overview of the competition and expressed gratitude to all partners involved.

The event was attended by the University Registrar, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, along with Deans, Directors, and an enthusiastic group of students. Awusi’s leadership exemplifies WACCBIP’s impact on equipping students with practical skills that transcend academia, empowering them to create real-world solution.