KNUST College of Engineering to Build US$3.5 Million Innovation Hub
The College of Engineering at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) is set to construct a US$3.5 million technology innovation hub as part of activities marking its 75th anniversary, in a major move to strengthen research, technological advancement and industry-academia collaboration.
Dubbed the Legacy Project, the four-storey, state-of-the-art facility is expected to provide a dedicated space for research, innovation, prototyping and the development of new technologies. The hub will enable students to transform their ideas and engineering designs into practical solutions that can be tested and applied to real-world challenges.
The facility will also accommodate industry players, creating opportunities for businesses to collaborate directly with lecturers, researchers, students and entrepreneurs. The initiative is intended to bridge the gap between academic research and industry needs while encouraging the development of innovative products and services.
KNUST College of Engineering Launches 75th Anniversary
The Provost of the College of Engineering, Professor Kwabena Biritwum Nyarko, announced the project during the launch of the college’s 75th anniversary celebrations at the Great Hall on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
The celebration was held under the theme, “Excellence to Eminence: 75 Years of Engineering Education at KNUST.”
Professor Nyarko called on industry stakeholders to support the construction of the innovation hub and establish a meaningful presence within the facility. He noted that companies could take advantage of the college’s research expertise and infrastructure instead of maintaining all their research and development operations in Accra and Tema.
He explained that the project would create an environment where industry professionals could work alongside academic experts and students to develop practical solutions to pressing challenges.
According to him, the collaboration would help accelerate the development of new technologies, products and services while ensuring that engineering education remained relevant to the needs of businesses and society.
KNUST Innovation Hub to Support Start-ups and Research
The Paramount Chief of Asante Mampong, Daasebre Osei Bonsu III, who attended the anniversary launch as guest of honour, urged the college to incorporate start-up support facilities into the new innovation hub.
He said such a provision would help students with promising ideas receive guidance and mentorship from lecturers and industry professionals, enabling them to develop their innovations into viable products and businesses.
The proposal is expected to strengthen the role of the hub as a centre for entrepreneurship, practical learning and technology development, giving young innovators an opportunity to move beyond theoretical concepts and explore commercial applications for their ideas.
KNUST Vice-Chancellor Highlights Strategic Importance
The Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Professor Christian Agyare, said the College of Engineering had a critical role to play in achieving the university’s corporate strategic plan, known as Plan 2K35.
The plan seeks to position KNUST as a leading institution in science, technology, research and national development.
He emphasised that the college’s contribution would be essential to advancing technological innovation, strengthening partnerships with industry, developing highly skilled professionals and addressing challenges facing Ghana and the wider African continent.
Professor Agyare encouraged the college to embrace digital transformation, promote sustainable engineering practices, expand its international research networks and develop academic programmes that respond to the changing needs of industry and society.
He said these priorities would help ensure that engineering graduates were equipped with the knowledge and practical skills required to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Engineering Education Must Address Complex Challenges
The Chairman of the KNUST Governing Council, Akyamfuor Asafo Boakye Agyemang-Bonsu, said engineering challenges had become increasingly complex, with climate change, sustainable energy, artificial intelligence and digital transformation requiring innovative and practical solutions.
He urged the College of Engineering to continue evolving and strengthening its partnerships with industry to address real societal problems.
He also stressed the importance of training engineers who combine technical competence with creativity, integrity, leadership and a strong sense of responsibility to society.
The Governing Council chairman further called on alumni of the college to reconnect with the institution, mentor students and contribute their expertise and resources towards national development.
Industry Partnership Key to Engineering Innovation
The Chief Executive Officer of Associated Consultants Limited, Kwabena Bempong, who delivered the guest address, advised engineering students to uphold integrity in their professional and personal lives.
He noted that engineering was built on public trust, making honesty, accountability and professional responsibility essential qualities for anyone entering the field.
The proposed US$3.5 million innovation hub represents a significant part of the College of Engineering’s anniversary legacy, with its focus on strengthening research, nurturing student innovations and deepening collaboration between academia and industry.
When completed, the facility is expected to provide an environment where engineering ideas can be developed, tested and refined into practical solutions, supporting KNUST’s broader ambition to advance scientific research, technological innovation and sustainable development in Ghana.
