Ashesi University’s institute, the Ghana Climate Innovation Center (GCIC), assists start-ups that foster and support low carbon economy and technology.

Over the past three years, GCIC’s green engagement with entrepreneurs has enabled them to support 196 ventures, disbursed as grants in support of businesses $2.9 million, helped the businesses cumulatively gain $8.5 million, and helped the businesses avoid 624,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

Examples of start-ups that have benefitted from the center include:

Green-Heat Technologies

Green-Heat Technologies is a registered LLC currently based in Kokrobite, Accra. The business aims to use its briquetting technology to recycle agricultural wastes, including dried coconut shells, palm kernel shells, charcoal dust, and sawdust, into charcoal briquettes under the brand OGYA. They aim to develop a broader range of product lines, such as char briquettes, fire litter, and grill equipment. Green-Heat aims to curb carbon emissions and deforestation to help Ghana reclaim its lost vegetation.

Sustainable Energy Technologies Limited (SETECH)

Sustainable Technologies Limited (STL) is a social enterprise committed to developing and promoting climate-smart, innovative, and environmentally friendly technological solutions that improve the well-being of households and communities as well as enhance the efficiency of smallholder agro-enterprises in Ghana and Africa to meet their energy and environmental challenges. STL also develops inclusive business and marketing models that reduce energy expenditure, deforestation, and indoor air pollution by promoting climate smart technologies.