STUDENT VENTURE SUPPORT TRAINING PROGRAMME

 

The Student Venture Support Programme (SVSP) is a flagship initiative of the Research and Innovation Directorate (RID) of the University of Ghana, developed to nurture student innovation and entrepreneurship. The programme seeks to identify, develop, and scale innovative business ideas among students, cultivating a culture of creativity, problem-solving, and enterprise within the University community.

The initiative is led by the University of Ghana in collaboration with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), the University of Cape Coast (UCC), and other external partners, with mentorship and business training support from the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS).

Programme Overview

At the heart of the initiative is the Student Enterprise Pitch Competition, which provides a platform for student-led teams to present innovative business proposals. Participants are guided through a process that emphasizes innovation, commercial viability, environmental and social impact, and strong business fundamentals. Finalists pitch their ideas before a panel of judges drawn from academia, industry, and the investment community.

Proposals are evaluated based on their novelty, market potential, sustainability, execution strategy, and presentation quality. Winning teams receive a combination of cash prizes, mentorship, and incubation support at the UGBS Innovation and Incubation Hub, in partnership with Impact Hub Accra.

Training and Capacity Building

The programme offers intensive entrepreneurship development and capacity-building workshops, focusing on practical skills such as:

  • Design Thinking and Rapid Prototyping
  • Strategic Planning and Business Fundamentals
  • Fundraising and Investor Readiness
  • Lean Methodology and Growth Hacking
  • Pitching, Storytelling, and Business Communication

These training sessions equip participants with the tools and mindset required to transform ideas into sustainable ventures.

Impact and Achievements

Since its inception, the competition has produced several student-led start-ups that have transitioned from conceptual proposals to operational businesses. Past winning teams have developed innovations in agro-processing, renewable energy, sustainable manufacturing, digital education, and food systems, demonstrating the diversity and creativity of UG’s entrepreneurial community.

The programme continues to expand its reach, strengthening partnerships with universities and industry stakeholders to support student innovation and promote youth entrepreneurship in Ghana.

Significance

The Student Venture Support Programme underscores the University of Ghana’s commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation among students. By connecting academic knowledge with practical enterprise development, RID and UGBS are empowering young innovators to drive impactful solutions and contribute to national development.