Mushplus Agri-foods Ltd, a student-led startup from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has emerged as one of the top five winning teams in the 2025 Kosmos Innovation Centre (KIC) AgriTech Challenge Pro.

The team was awarded $10,000 in seed funding for its innovative food solutions aimed at combating protein-energy malnutrition in children.

Out of an initial 66 teams that began the 2025 edition of the KIC AgriTech Challenge Pro, Mushplus Agri-foods Ltd from KNUST  distinguished itself as one of the top five teams, triumphing over 21 other finalists from 16 tertiary institutions across Ghana.

This positions them for entry into the prestigious KIC Business Accelerator Program.

Mushplus Agri-foods Ltd was the only KNUST-funded team in this year’s competition. Their groundbreaking innovations, Protein-Care, an instant, protein-rich non-dairy powder for breakfast enrichment, and Mushplus Instant Noodles, a mushroom-fortified noodle product offer locally driven, nutritious solutions to combat protein-energy malnutrition, particularly among children.

These products not only address critical nutritional gaps but also present a healthier alternative to mainstream processed foods, targeting both local and international markets. The startup's vision extends beyond health, as it integrates sustainable agriculture and economic empowerment into its business model.

As part of its growth strategy, Mushplus Agri-foods is committed to scaling up its impact through the KIC Business Accelerator, contributing significantly to food and nutrition security in Ghana and beyond.

About Mushplus Agr-foods Limited

The journey of Mushplus Agri-foods Limited began in 2023, when four visionary students from three different colleges at the university came together to tackle a problem they were passionate about solving. This multidisciplinary and gender-balanced team shared a common goal: to create a sustainable and impactful agribusiness solution.

What started as a simple idea quickly evolved. Through various phases, from concept development to building a prototype, then a minimum viable product (MVP), and finally, a market-ready product; the team harnessed their diverse skill sets, strengths, and even their weaknesses, to build a thriving startup. Each member played a critical role, bringing unique perspectives and expertise to the table.

The co-founders of Mushplus Agri-foods Limited are:

• Joseph Anokye, who serves as the Quality and Safety Manager, is a 2024 graduate from the Department of Food Science and Technology.

• Abigail Sume, the Sourcing and Farmer Impact Manager, also graduated in 2024 from the Department of Agriculture.

• Isaac Assumang, the Production and Research Manager, is a 2022 graduate of the Department of Food Science and Technology.

• Emmanuella Aryee, responsible for Marketing, Sales, and Finance, is a 2024 graduate from the Department of Business Administration.