500 technology startups stand the chance to develop and scale up after the Ghana-Oracle Digital Enterprise Program (GODEP) made a stop in the Ashanti Region in a recruitment drive.
The program is a collaboration between the government of Ghana and the Oracle Corporation and is supposed to cover Kumasi, Tamale, Sunyani, Ho, Koforidua and Takoradi.
The event in Kumasi saw some business leaders and industry experts coming together on a judging panel that scrutinized the ideas to get the best out of them.
The panel had Dr Samuel Frimpong (economic advisor, Vice President’s office), Prof Pikay Richardson (Associate Professor, Manchester Business School), Samuel Akomea (Head of Kumasi Business Incubator) and Valentina Mintah (Founder, Westblue Consulting).
“I seize the moment to encourage all the startups who will get into the program to make the best as much as possible from this opportunity, work hard to distinguish yourselves on this global platform,” Dr Baffour Osei Hyeamann Brantuo VI, Otumfour’s Manwerehene, who was the special guest of honour said in his keynote address.
“Don’t only distinguish yourselves, innovate! Unlock, create and develop technology that doesn’t only simplify but makes life more effective for your communities in the various fields of agriculture, medicine, energy, etc. Our history is one of industrious men and women who distinguished themselves in business through creativity and innovation to help build the Asanteman we have today. As you progress, be reminded of the communities from which you started and do well to carry others along with you.”
“I truly believe this program will unlock great potential and transform our technology and digital economy,” Valentina Mintah also said at the event.
The judges were so impressed with the presentations from the various startups that they made the decision to present all the participants with the opportunity that the GODEP program presents.
In addition to the opportunity to harness and scale up their businesses, the participants will also be provided with structural and mentorship support.