KNUST College of Engineering to build GH₵40m technology innovation hub

The College of Engineering at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has announced plans to construct a GH₵40 million (US$3.5 million) technology innovation hub. Known as the Legacy Project, the four-storey facility was unveiled as a centerpiece of the college's 75th-anniversary celebrations. The project is designed to provide a dedicated space for students and faculty to prototype, test, and refine new designs, directly addressing the long-standing gap between theoretical academic research and practical industrial application.

Provost of the College of Engineering, Professor Kwabena Biritwum Nyarko, emphasized that the hub will serve as a catalyst for fostering meaningful industry-academia collaborations. By providing modern infrastructure, the college aims to ensure that students are better equipped to solve real-world problems through innovative engineering solutions. Vice-Chancellor Professor Christian Agyare further noted that the initiative aligns with the university’s broader corporate strategic plan, which prioritizes research that translates into tangible societal benefits.

The launch event also featured calls from guest speakers and alumni for increased investment in student-led startups and research. Industry leaders stressed the importance of discipline, integrity, and adaptability in engineering education, urging the private sector to partner with the university to nurture the next generation of innovators. Once completed, the Technology and Innovation Building is expected to become a cornerstone for technological development in Ghana, offering the resources necessary to turn academic ideas into viable commercial products.