- Samuel Naamgwinaa, a first-year Electrical and Electronic Engineering student at UMaT, won the 2024 Presidential Pitch with his innovative “Smart Switch,” an automated system designed to control light consumption and reduce energy wastage.
- The “Smart Switch” impressed Ghana’s president and judges, earning Samuel GH¢200,000 and an additional GH¢50,000 pledge from the President.
- Out of over 300 applicants, Samuel was one of the 10 finalists in the competition held from August 20 to 23, and he credits his success to his participation in the 2024 KIC Agritech Challenge Classic.
- Samuel plans to apply similar automation principles to agriculture to benefit smallholder farmers in Ghana, highlighting the transformative impact of the KIC Agritech Challenge Classic in fostering young innovators.
Samuel Naamgwinaa, a first-year Electrical and Electronic Engineering student at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), has emerged as the winner of the 2024 Presidential Pitch.
His creation, the “Smart Switch,” impressed Ghana’s president, judges, and audiences during the three-day competition held from August 20 to 23.
The Smart Switch is an automated system designed to remotely control light consumption, helping to reduce energy wastage and support Ghana’s energy conservation goals. Samuel’s innovation was recognised for its ingenuity, ease of use, and integration with existing systems.
Out of over 300 applicants, Samuel was one of 10 finalists and won GH¢200,000. Additionally, he received a GH¢50,000 pledge from the President, who praised Samuel’s presentation and innovative thinking.
Samuel’s path to this achievement included his participation in the 2024 KIC Agritech Challenge Classic, which he credits with playing a crucial role in his preparation. He expressed gratitude for the support from KIC, Takoradi Technical University, and the Mastercard Foundation.
Looking forward, Samuel plans to develop a new concept applying similar automation principles to agriculture, aiming to assist smallholder farmers in Ghana. His success underscores the impact of initiatives like the KIC Agritech Challenge Classic in nurturing young innovators and inspiring future entrepreneurs.
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