Three Startups Win Big at 2025 Student Venture Support Programme Finals

PureLube Ltd, a student-led startup from the University for Development Studies (UDS), has emerged winner of the 2025 Student Venture Support Programme (SVSP) finals, organised by the University of Ghana’s Research and Innovation Directorate (RID) in partnership with Imperial College London.

PureLube, which produces eco-friendly grease from cashew nut shells, impressed the judges with its product quality, sustainability, market potential and go-to-market strategy, earning the team GHC 50,000 in seed funding.

Fitroot Ghana from the University of Ghana placed first runner-up, receiving GHC 30,000, while Jespark Foods from the University of Cape Coast took the second runner-up position with a prize of GHC 20,000. 

Mushplus Agri-Foods Ltd from KNUST received a special GHC 5,000 award from the Pro Vice-Chancellor (RID).

The 2025 edition of the competition attracted 236 applications, with 42 student teams from UG, UCC, KNUST, and UDS advancing to the final stage. Finalists benefited from entrepreneurship masterclasses on innovation, branding, investment readiness and intellectual property.

Prof. Felix Ankomah Asante, Pro Vice-Chancellor (RID), applauded the growing ecosystem of student innovators and reaffirmed UG’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for entrepreneurship and research-driven solutions. He noted the need for continuous investment and mentorship to help student ventures scale beyond the university space.

Solomon Adjei, President of the Association of Ghana Startups, announced additional support for non-FDA certified products and sponsorship for winners to showcase their innovations at the Ghana Startup Week.

The SVSP aligns with the University’s strategic priorities of delivering a Transformative Student Experience, Impactful Research and Sustainable Resource Mobilisation and Stewardship through innovation and partnerships.