With funding from the World Bank, the NIC would provide the required financial and technical support to award winning entre­preneurs.

The NIC would also solicit innovation from Ghanaians in areas, including renewable energy, agriculture, waste management, pharmaceuticals, oil and robotics and mines and minerals processing value chain innovations.

Interested applicants, who must be between the ages of 15 and 60- years-old, are required to submit a four-page concept note of their innovative ideas via nic@mesti.gov.gh.

The sector minister, Dr Kwaku Afriyie, launching the initiative in Accra on Monday, said the world was evolving at a remarkable pace and every member of the public must adapt to the changes that come with it.

He said “the challenges we face today from climate change to healthcare and education required innovative solutions. It is not enough to simply maintain the status quo, we must reach beyond the boundaries of convention and embrace the limitless potential of human creativity.”

According to Dr Afriyie, the NIC was a platform for the brightest minds in the country to converge to address pressing needs, adding that it was also a call to action for scientists, entrepre­neurs, students and everyone with a passion for innovation.

“We believe in the power of ideas to shape our destiny, and we want to harness that power for the greater good.”

“This challenge is not just about competition, it is about working together, sharing knowledge and expertise and breaking down the silos that often hinder our prog­ress,” he said.

Throwing more light on the objectives of the programme, Chief Director, MESTI, Mr Patrick Nomo, said the govern­