The Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has once again proven its commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Ghana’s agricultural sector. The final pitch of the 2025 AgriTech Challenge Pro, held at the KNUST Business School in Kumasi from May 22nd to 23rd, was a testament to the potential of Ghana’s youth to drive economic growth and sustainability through technology and agriculture.
This year’s event was a vibrant display of entrepreneurial excellence, with 43 teams presenting their business pitch decks to a panel of judges, known as the Ideation Team members. The participating teams showcased a diverse range of solutions, from tech-driven tools to sustainable farming initiatives, all aimed at addressing the challenges plaguing Ghana’s agricultural sector. The event was not just a competition but a celebration of innovation, resilience, and the transformative power of agriculture and technology.
Mr. Benjamin Gyan-Kesse, Executive Director of the Kosmos Innovation Center, expressed his admiration for the participants, stating, “This year’s AgriTech Challenge Pro has once again showcased the brilliance and resilience of Ghana’s youth. The innovative solutions presented today reaffirm the transformative power of agriculture and technology in driving economic growth and sustainability.” His words underscore the significance of the event, not just as a platform for competition, but as a catalyst for change and progress in Ghana’s agricultural landscape.
The winning teams were awarded seed funding, mentorship opportunities, and access to KIC’s extensive network of partners. These resources are designed to help them further develop and implement their groundbreaking ideas, ultimately growing and scaling their businesses. Gyan-Kesse emphasized that the program is not just about generating ideas but refining them through market research, industry knowledge, innovation, viability, scalability, and building enduring teams capable of weathering storms and seizing opportunities.
The implications of this event are far-reaching. As Ghana continues to prioritize agriculture as a cornerstone of its economy, initiatives like the AgriTech Challenge Pro demonstrate the immense potential of youth-driven innovation. The winning teams, including PureLube, which won USD 25,000, and Ecobroma, which won USD 20,000, along with other start-ups like Zenags Organics, Mushplus Agri-Foods, and AgriEase, among others, are poised to make significant contributions to the sector. Their success stories will undoubtedly inspire other young entrepreneurs to venture into agritech, creating a ripple effect of innovation and job creation.
Moreover, the event highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in driving economic growth and sustainability. The collaboration between KIC and the Mastercard Foundation serves as a model for how such partnerships can empower young people, providing them with the resources and support they need to turn their ideas into reality.
The 2025 AgriTech Challenge Pro is more than just a competition; it is a beacon of hope for Ghana’s agricultural sector. It showcases the potential of the country’s youth to drive innovation and create jobs, ultimately contributing to economic growth and sustainability. As the winning teams embark on their entrepreneurial journeys, they carry with them the hopes and aspirations of a nation looking to transform its agricultural sector through technology and innovation.