The Falling Walls Lab Ghana serves as an annual gathering that unites young scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs from various disciplines, allowing them to present their research and ideas. The recent edition of this event took place on May 26th at the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana. Organized by the DAAD Information Centre Accra in collaboration with StartUp Lounge Africa and with support from the Federal Foreign Office of Germany, it brought together a diverse range of participants.
A total of 29 applications were received for this year’s event, encompassing projects from fields such as agricultural science, health, plastic recycling, information technology, and the fight against deforestation, among others. From these submissions, 12 projects were shortlisted to present their ideas at the Falling Walls Lab Ghana 2023. Each presenter had a time limit of 3 minutes to convey their idea to a jury, and they were also encouraged to showcase prototypes or employ videos to enhance their explanations. The event welcomed ideas spanning from scientific innovations to business solutions and social interventions.
The coveted title of the Falling Walls Lab Ghana 2023 winner was awarded to Maltiti Mohammed, a Ghanaian student from the University for Development Studies in Tamale. Maltiti’s winning idea revolved around establishing a clothing and accessories company that exclusively relied on recycled plastics. He demonstrated his prototype, which involved melting and extruding plastic waste into filaments, then twisting those filaments into yarn that could be utilized to create exquisite fabrics for clothing, such as T-shirts.
The esteemed German Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Daniel Krull, graced the event as the guest of honour. The 7-member jury, chaired by Mr. Tsonam Cleanse Akpeloo (CEO of Suku Technologies and Chairman of the Association of Ghana Industries, Greater Accra), evaluated the presentations and determined the winner.
The Falling Walls Lab Ghana provides a tremendous opportunity for young scientists and entrepreneurs to showcase their research and ideas. Beyond the exposure and recognition, the event serves as a platform for these talented individuals to connect with potential investors and partners, expanding their networks and opening doors to future collaborations.
As the winner, Maltiti receives an all-expenses-paid trip to Berlin in November to compete in the prestigious Falling Walls Lab finale. This world-class event, organized by the Falling Walls Foundation in Berlin, Germany and generously funded by Berlin’s Natural History Museum, promises to be an exciting culmination of innovative ideas from around the globe.
Thumbnail: From left to right: His Excellency, Daniel Krull (German Ambassador to Ghana), Maltiti Mohammed (Falling Walls Lab Ghana 2023 Winner), Tsonam Cleanse Akpeloo (Jury Chair, Falling Walls Lab Ghana 2023) © DAAD / Joshua Cleopas
