Birmingham, UK – November 27, 2024

The University for Development Studies (UDS), together with its partners, the University of York and Savannah and Sahel Commodities Limited (SSCL), emerged as the standout winner at the prestigious Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Awards 2024. The event, held at the Birmingham Vox Conference Centre, celebrated groundbreaking collaborations between academia and industry aimed at driving innovation and transformative solutions to global challenges.

UDS Wins the Best African Agriculture KTP Award

UDS achieved a historic milestone by clinching the Best African Agriculture KTP Award, a newly introduced category recognizing exceptional knowledge transfer partnerships from African universities working in the agricultural sector. This accolade marks UDS as the first university to win the category, triumphing over other leading African institutions.

The Best African Agriculture KTP Award celebrates projects that demonstrate innovative solutions to challenges in agriculture, including food security, sustainability, and climate resilience. UDS, in partnership with the University of York and SSCL, developed a transformative initiative focused on leveraging modern technology to optimize agricultural value chains in Ghana’s Savannah Region. This project’s impact on rural farmers and its potential for scalability set it apart from other entries.

Speaking after receiving the award, Prof. Seidu Al-hassan, Vice-Chancellor of UDS, remarked, “This recognition is a testament to our university’s commitment to driving impactful agricultural research and partnerships that uplift communities. We are deeply honored to be the first recipients of this award and will continue working tirelessly to make a difference in agriculture across the continent.”

Second Award: Changing the World Category

In a remarkable turn of events, UDS was the only university called to the stage twice during the ceremony. The second honor was the Changing the World Award, won by UDS and is partners, the University of York, and SSCL.

This prestigious category celebrates KTP projects that have demonstrated outstanding global impact in addressing significant societal challenges such as poverty alleviation, health equity, and environmental sustainability. Winners are selected based on the measurable impact of their work, innovation, and the strength of the collaboration between academic and industry partners.

The award-winning project by UDS and its partners was commended for its transformative impact on the livelihoods of rural communities through sustainable agriculture and value-added processing initiatives. It exemplified how cross-border academic-industry partnerships could serve as catalysts for social and economic change.

Prof. Seidu Al-hassan expressed his gratitude while receiving the award, stating, “This honor challenges us to do even more to change the world in meaningful ways. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Innovate UK for this recognition and commend the exceptional dedication of our team and partners in achieving this remarkable feat.”

Innovate UK KTP Awards: Driving Global Innovation

The Innovate UK KTP Awards is an annual event that celebrates the best partnerships between universities and businesses across the globe. The program aims to drive innovation, enhance knowledge exchange, and create solutions to critical societal and industrial challenges. It highlights the transformative potential of combining academic expertise with industry resources to foster groundbreaking innovation.

UDS Becomes a Global Conversation Starter

Following the awards ceremony, UDS became a focal point of discussion among participants and partners from leading universities and businesses across the UK. Delegates expressed keen interest in forging new partnerships with UDS, impressed by its pioneering work in agriculture and global impact.

Dr. Sarah Grant, a representative from a UK-based agricultural innovation firm, remarked, “UDS has set the standard for what African universities can achieve with the right partnerships and vision. We are excited about the possibilities of working together in the future.”

What This Means for UDS

The dual awards signal a significant boost to UDS’ reputation as a leader in research and innovation, not only in Ghana but also on the global stage. The university’s success at the Innovate UK KTP Awards underscores its capacity to drive impactful research that addresses critical challenges while fostering meaningful collaborations.

Prof. Seidu Al-hassan summarized the significance of the achievement, stating, “These awards affirm UDS’ position as a hub of excellence in research and innovation. They inspire us to continue pushing boundaries and solidify our role as a key player in global development conversations.”

As UDS continues to forge partnerships and advance impactful research, its accolades at the Innovate UK KTP Awards 2024 are a testament to its dedication to changing lives and communities for the better.

Story by:
Abdul Hayi Moomen (UDS Media)