The Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) has launched the innovation voucher scheme as part of measures to promote the commercialization of research in Ghana and strengthen collaboration between research institutions and businesses.
The scheme will provide grants of up to $5,000 or more (depending on the project’s market viability analysis) to qualifying small and medium enterprises and startups. The grant can be used for knowledge transfer projects from approved knowledge providers. A knowledge transfer project transfers scientific, technological or innovative knowledge from a knowledge or research institution to a small enterprise or startup. The company can use this knowledge or technology to innovate a product, process, or service.
MESTI’s Director of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Mr. Kwamena E. Quaison, highlighted successful partnerships like Kasapreko and the Centre for Plant Medicine (Alomo Bitters) and Despite Foods and the Food Research Institute (Neat Fufu) as examples of what is possible when businesses collaborate with research institutions. These collaborations resulted in new products, created jobs, and contributed to the economy.
The programme is a key initiative under the Ghana Jobs and Skills project and aims to bridge the gap between research institutions and industry. The project aims to support skills development and upgrades, and jobs for Ghanaians. It also aims to help the government better respond to the imperative of creating more decent jobs for the youth and rapidly growing labour force.
Source: MESTI
