The Media and Events Section of the University Relations Office at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has launched Tek Apata, a Christmas-themed innovation concept that showcases how university research is being translated into practical solutions for Ghana and the wider African continent.

Unveiled as part of KNUST Bronya 2025, Tek Apata draws inspiration from Bronya Apata, the palm-frond huts traditionally built during the Christmas season as spaces for play, sharing and imagination. The initiative reinterprets the cultural symbol to present KNUST as a modern “Apata”: a collaborative space where ideas are nurtured and developed into real-world innovations.

This year’s theme, Apata of Innovation & Industry, focuses on engineering, technology transfer and entrepreneurship, with FarmSense serving as the flagship example.

FarmSense integrates data analytics, sensor technologies and engineering tools to support farmers’ decision-making, boost productivity and strengthen food systems. The project demonstrates how locally developed technologies can address long-standing challenges in agriculture and food security.

Through the Tek Apata card and its accompanying narrative, KNUST is using festive storytelling to make research more accessible, illustrating how innovation can be locally built, shared and scaled for broader impact.

Head of the Media and Events Section, Emmanuel Kwasi Debrah, said the initiative reflects the University’s commitment to grounding advanced research in community realities.

“Tek Apata shows how KNUST’s research connects directly with everyday livelihoods, particularly in agriculture, where technology-driven solutions can support farmers and contribute to national development,” he said.