The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST), has proposed establishing an innovation hub to help students and researchers turn ideas into businesses, with GCB Bank PLC as a potential partner.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Christian Agyare outlined the proposal during a visit by a seven-member delegation from the bank, led by its Head of Public Universities, Akua Owusuwaa Abora.
Prof. Agyare said the hub would bring together expertise in science, engineering and health to encourage collaboration and develop practical solutions.
“The next is the innovation hub, where the roles in science, engineering, and even health will come together, where ideas will be considered, nurtured, and then turned into something, into more of ventures or enterprises,” he said.
The proposed hub would provide space for students and researchers to develop ideas, explore technological solutions and turn their innovations into viable ventures.
Agyare suggested forming working teams to prepare project documentation and cost estimates as a basis for further discussions on the hub’s scope and implementation.
He expressed optimism about the bank’s potential involvement.
“I think your board and your management will be happy to be associated with us,” he added.
The delegation visited KNUST to congratulate Agyare on his appointment and thank the university for its relationship with the bank, which spans more than 40 years.
“KNUST has been with us for over 40 years. And I can say you are one of our biggest customers. And we are here to say thank you,” Abora said.
She said the bank was willing to consider supporting the university in other areas.
“And the other thing is, if there are any other areas of importance that we might have not seen, but the university needs support from us,” she said.
Agyare thanked the delegation and said sustained partnerships were important to the university’s academic development.
“The mere fact that you are here, I think, shows the level of appreciation of our relationship,” he said.
The innovation hub remains a proposal, with further discussions needed to determine the bank’s potential contribution and the steps required for implementation.
Story: Nhyira Okona-Frempong Photos: Isaac Kwaku Duah
