The TCC International Centre for Innovation, Manufacturing, Technology Transfer and Entrepreneurship (TCC–CIMET) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) is set to partner with organisers of the Cocoa Hackathon to promote innovation in the cocoa value chain.

The partnership follows earlier engagements held this year, with discussions now focusing on how the Centre can provide mentorship, technological support, and innovation guidance to contestants.

During a meeting with the hackathon delegation, Director General of TCC–CIMET, Professor Francis Davis, reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to supporting initiatives that drive research commercialisation and industrial solutions.

“We’re pleased to have you back here again to continue our conversations on the support we can offer to the Cocoa Hackathon,” Prof. Davis said.

“This Centre serves as the commercialisation wing of the University, and our mandate is to transform research into practical, market-ready solutions. The hackathon’s objectives align perfectly with our mission, and we see this as an opportunity to provide technological support to contestants as they develop their innovations.”

He added that the Centre remains open to further collaborations.

“Beyond this conversation, there are several areas where our skilled human resources can contribute meaningfully to emerging initiatives. We also have an ongoing Innovation Challenge, and we invite you to experience some of the groundbreaking ideas our students are developing, particularly in transforming waste into wealth,” he said.

Leading the delegation from the Netherlands, Professor Eli Savy explained that the hackathon will focus on addressing challenges in the cocoa sector through research, entrepreneurship, and technology.

“We’re not only focusing on farming techniques and agronomic challenges. Our interest also extends to innovative products, sustainable business models, and technology-driven solutions that create value across the cocoa value chain: from cultivation and processing to distribution and market access,” Prof. Savy noted.

“By integrating research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, we aim to enhance productivity, improve livelihoods, and strengthen the global competitiveness of the cocoa sector.”

The delegation included representatives from Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences (VHL UAS) and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). The visit formed part of efforts to deepen partnerships and explore collaborative opportunities in innovation, agribusiness, and sustainable development.

Discussions also covered capacity building, research exchange, and technology-driven interventions to improve productivity and sustainability within the cocoa industry.

The partnership underscores TCC–CIMET’s commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology-based solutions that advance Ghana’s agricultural and