Accra Technical University (ATU) has concluded its comprehensive project under the African Health Research and Innovation Project (AHRIP), focusing on Design Thinking as a methodology for creating sustainable and innovative solutions in the health sector. The event, held at the university’s auditorium on March 17, 2025, showcased a range of prototypes developed by students, alongside the commissioning of the newly established ATU Incubator Hub.
The Acting Vice Chancellor of ATU, Professor Amevi Acakpovi, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial thinking among students, highlighting the significance of the AHRIP project. He emphasised the importance of collaboration between academia and industry, particularly the health sector, in addressing real-world challenges. Professor Acakpovi expressed optimism that the student-developed solutions would not only remain as prototypes but would evolve into market-ready products that could make a tangible impact on society.
Professor Gordon Adoja from Design Thinking Ghana, a key partner in the project, shared his enthusiasm for working with ATU on AHRIP. He noted the rigorous training process the students underwent, including prototype development, market exploration, customer acquisition strategies, and pitching ideas to potential investors. His reflection on the project underscored the wealth of knowledge gained from collaborating with ATU’s talented students, and he was confident that the exhibition would showcase truly innovative solutions.
A key highlight of the event was the official opening of the ATU Incubator Hub, which is set to become a cornerstone in the university’s efforts to provide students with the resources needed to turn their ideas into viable businesses. The Acting Vice Chancellor described the launch of the incubator as a historic moment in the university’s journey, aligning with the institution’s strategic goal of enhancing student experiences and promoting scientific advancement.
The exhibition featured a diverse array of student innovations aimed at solving critical health sector issues. Among the solutions presented were a smart cooling system for vaccine transportation, a diabetes management app, a smart segregation dustbin, a hospital management system, a biometric health identification system, and a blood warmer device. Students engaged with stakeholders, demonstrating their prototypes in real-time, offering a glimpse into the potential of these solutions to address pressing health challenges.
Professor Constance Alice Mensah, the principal investigator of the AHRIP project, expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the initiative. She highlighted the effectiveness of the Design Thinking approach, noting that the impressive solutions showcased at the event validated the methodology’s potential to drive innovation. Professor Mensah stressed the need for design thinking to be incorporated into academic curricula to further unleash the creative potential of students.
The AHRIP project is an ATU-led project to train students to become future innovators using the design thinking method. The project is partnered with Design Thinking Ghana, Research and Innovation Systems for Africa (RISA) and the Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office.
