KIC AgriTech participant wins Presidential Pitch

In a remarkable achievement, Samuel Naamgwinaa, a first-year student pursuing a Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Mines and Technology (UMAT), has emerged as the overall winner of the 2024 Presidential Pitch. Samuel’s innovative creation, the “Smart Switch,” captured the attention of Ghana’s president, the judges and audiences alike, earning him top honors in a 3-day competition, which took place between 20th – 23rd August 2024.

The Smart Switch is an automated system that allows users to remotely control their light consumption, significantly reducing energy wastage and contributing to Ghana’s energy conservation efforts. Samuel’s pitch stood out for its ingenuity, ease of use, and seamless integration into existing systems, leaving a lasting impression on the panel.

This year’s Presidential Pitch attracted over 300 applicants, with only 10 finalists making it to the final round. Samuel not only claimed the ultimate prize of GHS 200,000 but also received an additional GHS 50,000 pledge from the President, on 23rd, the final day of the pitch, who was notably impressed by Samuel’s presentation and the depth of his innovative thinking.

Samuel’s journey to this victory began with his participation in the 2024 KIC Agritech Challenge Classic, representing Takoradi Technical University. In an interview with KIC Program Officer Anthony Agee-kum, Samuel credited the Challenge for playing a pivotal role in his success. “The KIC Market Research Tours, Capacity Building Trainings, particularly on Business Concepts, and the Pitch Decks shared by Ato Ulzen-Appiah and other resource persons were crucial in my preparation for the final pitch,” he explained. “Although I had participated in similar pitches before, I rarely won prizes. However, since joining the KIC Agritech Challenge, I have been empowered through its structured capacity-building programs, inspiring me to aim for and achieve success this time around. I extend my sincere appreciation to KIC, the Takoradi Technical University team, and the Mastercard Foundation for their unwavering support.”

Looking ahead, Samuel expressed enthusiasm and optimism about the future of his KIC Agritech journey. He and his team are now focused on developing a new concept that applies the same automation principles to the agricultural sector, with the goal of benefiting smallholder farmers in the Western Region and across Ghana.

The 25-year-old young man’s story is a testament to the transformative impact of the KIC Agritech Challenge Classic, which continues to nurture young innovators and equip them with the tools and knowledge needed to excel, even beyond the borders of the Challenge. His success not only highlights the importance of such initiatives but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators across the country.