Colleges of Health Sciences, Engineering, and Art and Built Environment of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology took turns to pitch their potential business ideas under "1 Department, 1 Startup" (1D1S) initiative.

As part of its mission to create entrepreneurial training, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), through the Office of the Vice-Chancellor in collaboration with the Centre for Business Development (CBD), has organised an Idea Pitch for academic departments, dubbed the "1 Department, 1 Startup" (1D1S) initiative to promote entrepreneurship across the university community.

The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor David Asamoah, emphasised the importance of encouraging academic departments to venture into business.

He noted that this initiative could help bridge the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that graduates meet industry needs while also enhancing teaching practices."

"Sometimes, industries accuse us of producing graduates who do not fully appreciate what happens in the workplace. This initiative is meant to translate our research ideas into practical products. We want to move beyond research and establish sustainable businesses so that students can gain internship opportunities and hands-on experience," he stated.

"Beyond gaining experience, this initiative will also teach students that, upon completing their studies, they can start something of their own," he added.

The Head of the CBD, Dr. Samuel Yaw Akomea, assured that the ideas presented would be implemented in the short or long term. He also encouraged collaboration among departments with similar interests to maximize impact.