The UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC) has organized the Grand Challenge Pitch Day to present startups developing innovations for Ghana's agricultural sector. The event followed the Grand Challenge Program Launch and Innovation Workshops held in March 2025.
Adjoba Kyiamah, Executive Director of the UKGCC, said: "The Pitch Day is a follow-up to the Grand Challenge Program Launch and Innovation Workshops held in March 2025 to engage relevant stakeholders and equip innovators with the necessary tools to effectively participate in the Grand Challenge process." She added that the program is designed to accelerate the commercialization of selected innovations by supporting winners with market entry, international access, and long-term development.
The event was sponsored by the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) in partnership with Results for Development (R4D) under the Sankore program, which aims to strengthen innovation systems in Nigeria and Ghana.
Nine startups presented their projects, which included solar-powered crop threshers, automated cashew nut collection machines, and climate-smart mushroom production models. The presenting companies were Wobil Technologies, Agriease Ltd, AgriMercarb, Castor Care Ghana Limited, Delimush, EHB Limited, Kodu Technology, Aerodry Technologies, and Eastern Freshaura. Two additional shortlisted innovators, Miss Ashley Ventures and Pakar Laboratories LLC, also presented their concepts.
The panel of judges included representatives from the Ministry of Environment Science, Technology, and Innovation, Impact Investing Ghana, Fidelity Bank Ghana, and the FCDO. Johnson Singir, Science and Technology Network Manager at the FCDO, said: "I was inspired witnessing the ingenuity, passion, and bold ideas of Ghana's changemakers - innovators who are not only addressing local challenges but also shaping global solutions. The UK is proud to support this initiative, which strengthens Ghana's innovation ecosystem and unlocks the full potential of its research and talent."
The event concluded with the People's Choice Award, selected by audience vote, which went to AgriMercarb. The company operates black soldier fly production facilities across Ghana that convert organic waste into animal feed, renewable energy fuels, and organic fertilizers. AgriMercarb will be featured on the Joy Business Van, a series highlighting Ghanaian enterprises and entrepreneurs.
Shirgade Laryea, Senior Trade Services Manager at the UKGCC, congratulated the participants and said the event highlighted how innovative approaches can contribute to agricultural development and food security in Ghana and West Africa.
Source: Joy Online
