Published: 16 Mar 2017 Source: University Relations Office (URO)
The Technology Consultancy Centre (TCC) of the College of Engineering (CoE), as part of its International Development Innovation Network (IDN) has held a day’s workshop themed: “Design, Innovation and Technology-driven Maker-culture for Hands-on Learning & Making at KNUST”.
Dr. George Obeng, Principal Investigator, stated that the workshop was planned with the CoE with key programmes known as International Development Innovation lined up. The workshop was supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
He noted that the workshop was to stimulate ideas for continuous innovation of new technologies at KNUST. Participants, according to Dr. Obeng, would learn the design process, problem framing, concept evaluation tools and resources and also to share knowledge on cross-disciplinary team building for design, innovation and enhanced learning at KNUST.
Dr. Obeng stated that under the project, communities had been engaged in mentoring, product development and capacity building to solve local challenges. He mentioned new Longoro, Suame, Konongo as some of the beneficiary communities.
Professor Mark Adom Asamoah, Provost of the College of Engineering, in opening the workshop said the workshop would focus on optimizing resources and opportunities at KNUST to create, invent and develop new products for entrepreneurial growth. He added that participants would discuss ideas which would stimulate concepts, design and proto-typing as solutions to challenges confronting modern society.
The Provost explained that these ideas were in line with his initiatives and vision of innovation for the Ghanaian engineer. He said his outfit had initiated a Future Lab project, which would provide students of the College with a platform for innovation as well as a summer camp for senior secondary school students with the aim of promoting Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in pre-tertiary students. He hoped participants would take advantage of the workshop to come out with innovative products.