To mark the 2024 Agritech Challenge organised by Kosmos Innovation Centre (KIC) and Mastercard, participants have embarked on a Market Research Tour at the Crop Research Institute (CRI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Siriboe Farms Limited, Premium Foods, and Juaben Oil Mills Limited on the 25th and 26th July 2024.

The 2024 Agritech Challenge Market Research Tour aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the agricultural technology sector. Its primary goal is to equip participants with practical knowledge and skills in market research within the Agritech sector. The programme is designed to provide hands-on experience and inspire the creation of innovative solutions to the challenges the agricultural industry faces.

During the tour at Siriboe Farms, Nana Yaw Sarpong Siriboe I, the Akyempemhene of Juaben and Chief Executive Officer of the Siriboe Institute of Agribusiness and Juaben Oil Mills Limited, shared his life story with the teams. He emphasised that every business faced challenges and encouraged the participants to be resilient. “Businesses are not without challenges, so brace yourselves. Be patient with its growth, seek professional advice, partner with experts, and help each other to succeed,” he stressed.

Mr. Tom Gambrah, the Managing Director of Premium Foods, urged the students not to focus solely on making money for themselves but to share their success with others, helping their neighbours and communities. He highlighted the importance of sharing one's talents for the broader benefit of society, creating opportunities, forming alliances, being passion-driven, and seeking divine guidance on managing their talents. Mr. Gambrah also shared his journey with the students, illustrating these principles.

Professor James Osei Mensah, Extension and Faculty Advisor to the teams, was pleased that his expectations for the Market Research Tour were met. He hoped that the experiences gained would be leveraged to develop innovative solutions for agribusiness and foster the growth of future agribusinesses.

Participants had the opportunity to engage in market research, network with industry professionals, and gain insights into the latest trends and technologies in Agritech.

Speaking in an interview with the University Relations Office, Miss Jessica Dako, a final-year Agriculture student, shared her experiences- "I am grateful for the insightful tour organised by the team. The knowledge gained is invaluable, and I am excited to venture into the palm fruit business because of its significant benefits.”

Premium Foods Limited is an agri-food processing company in Ghana. They are committed to producing safe and nutritious food products to feed Ghana and West Africa.

Juaben Oil Mills Limited is a company known for its production of vegetable oils and other related products. They primarily focus on the extraction and processing of oil from palm nuts and other seeds.

The Crops Research Institute (CRI) is part of Ghana's Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). It focuses on agricultural research, particularly crops vital for food security and economic development.