The Bio and Emerging Technology Institute conducted a site visit to the ongoing research projects implemented under the initiative of the Science Grant Council and funded by the African Centre for Technology Studies – International Development Research Centre (SGCI, ACTS–IDRC). The purpose of the visit was to review progress and reaffirm the research outcomes achieved so far.

During the visit, the Director of the Institute, Professor Kasahun Tesfaye, explained that the projects being implemented have progressed beyond the basic research stage and successfully reached the industrial production phase. He noted that several innovations have secured product patent rights and have entered the manufacturing process, marking a significant milestone in transforming research into tangible economic value.

Dr. Habtamu Abera, National Research and Development CEO at the Ministry of Innovation and Technology, stated that the scientific research activities supported by the Science Grant Council are yielding encouraging results. He emphasized that the projects, initiated with strong focus on advancing national scientific development, will continue with sustained commitment to ensure long-term impact and sustainability.

Dr. Cephas Adjei Mensah, representative of the Ghana Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST) and Chairman of the SGCI Alliance, expressed his appreciation for the achievements of the Bio and Emerging Technology Institute. He highlighted that such initiatives create valuable opportunities to strengthen knowledge transfer, enhance collaboration, and promote experience sharing among member countries.

It was observed that the research outputs—particularly those demonstrated on-site—have strong potential to facilitate technology transfer, enhance the value chain of macro-algae, improve productivity, support commercialization, and establish well-equipped agricultural seed expansion laboratory services.

The visit further underscored that coordinated scientific cooperation among countries in the fields of Bio and Emerging Technology generates innovative solutions aligned with sustainable development goals. Such collaboration lays a solid foundation for translating scientific research into meaningful social and economic benefits.

Overall, the visit clearly demonstrated that scientific research accelerates national development when it moves beyond laboratory experimentation and enters industrial production and market application. It stands as strong evidence that sustainable development can be achieved through strengthened African cooperation, integrated scientific support systems, and continued investment in research and innovation.

Scientific research and innovation remain essential pillars for delivering sustainable development solutions.