As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaborations between the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and the University of Toronto under the Africa Health Collaborative (AHC) project, a delegation from KNUST has undertaken a strategic visit to key business incubator hubs in Toronto, Canada.
The visit included engagements with stakeholders at the MaRS Discovery District and SpinUp Lab, two prominent hubs that play critical roles in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in Canada. These incubators, affiliated with the University of Toronto, provide comprehensive support for startups and early-stage businesses across various sectors, including health, cleantech, fintech, and enterprise software.
At the MaRS Discovery District, the delegation explored how the incubator supports startups through mentorship, funding opportunities, office space, and access to a robust network of investors, researchers, and industry leaders.
The facility has been instrumental in scaling groundbreaking innovations and facilitating the commercialization of research-driven solutions.
The team also engaged with SpinUp Lab, a cutting-edge research and innovation hub dedicated to developing next-generation energy storage technologies, clean energy systems, and advanced materials. The visit provided valuable insights into how academia-industry partnerships can drive technological advancements and economic growth.
These strategic visits aim to deepen knowledge exchange, foster new partnerships, and explore best practices in innovation and commercialization. By leveraging lessons from Toronto’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, the AHC project at KNUST seeks to enhance healthcare solutions, promote research-driven entrepreneurship, and develop sustainable business models tailored for Africa.
The delegation was led by renowned Epidemiologist and Global Health expert and Principal Investigator (PI) for the project, Professor Ellis Owusu-Dabo. Accompanying him was Professor Wilberforce Owusu-Ansah, who spearheads the Health Entrepreneurship pillar of the AHC. Other members of the delegation included Dr. Kofi Akohene Mensah, Health Employment Lead; Dr. Joseph Owusu, Health Ecosystem Lead; Dr. Mrs. Princess Acheampong, the liaison officer for the KNUST project; and Dr. Daniel Norris Bekoe, Director of Communication at KNUST.
The leadership of the Africa Health Collaborative Project at KNUST embarked on a working visit to the University of Toronto, Canada, from February 14th to 22nd, 2025. This engagement aimed to align efforts with the secretariat, assess progress on key targets under the Collaborative, and develop strategic plans.
Professor Owusu-Dabo expressed his deep satisfaction with the progress made so far.
“Our targets are fully aligned with those of our partners, and we are rapidly strengthening relationships that will propel us to even greater heights,” he stated.