Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) has once again proven its prowess in innovation and engineering with a remarkable feat at the annual Women In Engineering (WINE) Innovation Challenge. The 2023 edition witnessed the university's team triumphing over competitors from Traditional Universities in Ghana with their groundbreaking project, Hydrogrow - an initiative poised to transform lives through sustainable agriployment.
The winning team from KsTU was a group of five exceptionally talented students, all pursuing studies in Electrical Electronics and Engineering. Their names are Antoinette Yeboah, Celine Ofori Mensah, Ellen Amoah, Coffie Vera, and Charity Emoebbah Donkor. Their relentless dedication and unwavering commitment to the project were evident throughout the competition, leaving an indelible mark on the engineering community.
Hydrogrow was conceptualized under the leadership of the KsTU WINE President, Gertrude Asumah Djan, who was pursuing Civil Engineering at the time. Assisting her as Deputy WINE President was Francisca Kaku, who was a Higher National Diploma (HND) student.
The team had the privilege of receiving guidance and mentorship from accomplished trainers namely Samuel Agyeman Kodom from the Electrical Engineering Department and Amenuvor Edem Samuel, a student in the Computer Science Department. Additionally, Micaiah Akwasi Adjei-Boateng, a first-year student in Electrical Electronics Engineering, made a valuable contribution to the project, showcasing the collaborative spirit and synergy that thrives at KsTU.
Distinguished academics Ing. Samuel Addo Darko and Ing. Linus Antonio Ofori Agyekum, both well-known lecturers in Electrical Engineering, contributed their skills to the development of Hydrogrow as well.
At the competition, KsTU team presented Hydrogrow with enthusiasm and confidence, impressing the judging panel comprising prominent figures from the engineering community. Their innovative solution involved a cutting-edge hydroponic system capable of cultivating fresh produce using minimal resources and without the need for soil. Instead, they harnessed a nutrient-rich solution and artificial UV light to efficiently promote plant growth.
The significance of Hydrogrow extends beyond winning a competition; it reflects KsTU's commitment to promoting sustainability and contributing to the betterment of society. By addressing the global challenges of food security and resource conservation through innovative engineering, the students of KsTU have demonstrated their potential to make a positive impact on the world.
The success of Hydrogrow at the WINE Innovation Challenge is a testament to the culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation that thrives at Kumasi Technical University. The Institution's support and encouragement for students to explore creative solutions to real-world problems have undoubtedly played a crucial role in fostering this remarkable achievement.
The triumph of KsTU's talented students serves as an inspiration to aspiring engineers and innovators worldwide. Their accomplishment reinforces the belief that with determination, vision, and a passion for positive change, the next generation of engineers can revolutionize industries and create a brighter, more sustainable world for all.