Imperial startups visit Ghana to build international connections

Seven startups from Imperial working on innovative health and sustainability solutions have visited Ghana to build connections in the country.

Supported by the University of Ghana and Impact Hub Accra, the startups have met with business support organisations, investors, alumni and other founders in Ghana’s capital, Accra, this week as part of our Venture Trek programme.

The Venture Trek programme is designed to give Imperial founders the opportunity to visit global startup hubs and take part in a series of meetings and events to gain vital skills for growing their business outside of the UK.

Following a first successful Venture Trek to San Francisco last year, the programme is carrying out four visits this year to Ghana, Singapore and the USA (New York and San Francisco).

The visit to Ghana comes as Imperial works to build closer links with the country and follows the launch of a major strategic partnership with the University of Ghana.

The startups who have travelled to Accra are:

• Sealeo – a biodegradable packaging for temperature-sensitive life-saving medicine, which could ensure effective delivery to remote areas that lack cold storage.

• DEPLOY – an air-inflated concrete water tank which helps to address challenges in water storage infrastructure by providing a product that can be flat-packed, easily transported and easily set up.

• GO Assistive Technology – affordable and durable prosthetic legs for people living in resource-constrained environments supported by a first-of-its-kind customer service app to lower barriers to access.

• Bia – a non-invasive uterine contraction monitoring patch that can be used at home to help pregnant people and healthcare providers accurately track contractions.

• FreshCheck – colour change technology which can be used to design and manufacture tools that detect otherwise invisible contamination.

• The Soil Story – an online platform where users can book ‘agrotourism’ experiences, providing enriching experiences for tourists and helping small farmers create a secondary income stream.

• Vrede919 – an ethical fashion brand championing slow fashion and responsible production through the use of natural fibers and sustainable practices, aiming to produce clothes made to last.

Commenting on the value of the programme, Lubaina Cementwala, co-founder of Bia, said: “At Bia, we are developing a contraction monitor for pregnant women to remotely communicate their contractions to healthcare providers from home.

“Visiting Ghana and speaking to midwives, mothers, and doctors helped us understand the local context. We conducted a focus group of recent mothers and the data collected will help us design a product suitable for the low- to middle-income country context. We hope to launch in the UK soon, but we also want to be accessible to the developing world as part of our long-term vision at Bia.”

Beren Kayali, co-founder & CTO of DEPLOY, said: “I was thrilled to be included on the list for the Venture Trek in Ghana because I know there are severe water security issues here - which is the core problem we are solving with my company, DEPLOY.

“During this visit, I have made key connections with NGOs, Ghana Water Company and the British Council. We will continue our conversations remotely, but this initial face to face meeting has been crucial for me to convey my passion and understand the local issues in Ghana.”

The startups will conclude their visit to Accra with a Demo Day at the University of Ghana, where students from the University of Ghana will pitch their businesses to local stakeholders from Accra’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Sarah Ranchev-Hale, Head of Imperial Enterprise Lab, said: “Our Venture Treks, an initiative linked to the Imperial Global Network, offer founders unparalleled opportunities to explore new global contexts. These treks provide our founders with invaluable insights into emerging markets, help to attract potential investments, and immerse participants in diverse cultures. By connecting with international ecosystems, founders can drive innovation and growth, fostering a deeper understanding of global business landscapes.”

Entrepreneurship in Ghana

Imperial is also working with partners in Ghana to develop the next generation of African entrepreneurs through an initiative with the University of Ghana and the Impact Hub Accra to develop student entrepreneurs.

The project, supported by Imperial's Enterprise Lab and instigated by the British Council, focuses on co-creating a student entrepreneurship programme to enable students to develop successful businesses.

The second Venture Trek of the year will take place from 28 July to 2 August in Singapore, with a focus on startups working with AI. Earlier this year, Imperial launched its first overseas research and innovation centre in Singapore which will strengthen collaboration between the UK and Singapore.

The centre enables Imperial to expand activity in the region such as entrepreneurship programmes, startup accelerators, student placements, and programmes aimed at delivering new technology and breakthroughs to benefit society. The pioneering research centre is based at the National Research Foundation Singapore (NRF) Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE).

To find out more about this year’s Venture Treks and how to apply for future trips, visit the Imperial Enterprise Lab.

This article was first published on 19 July by Imperial College London.