Lancaster University Ghana (LUG), through its Emerging Technologies Centre (ETC), in partnership with Stanbic Bank Ghana, has concluded the second cohort of the Emerging Technologies Bootcamp for Senior High School students, with a closing ceremony and capstone project presentation held at the Stanbic Incubator, Silver Star Building, Airport, Accra.
The eight-week Bootcamp brought together 30 Senior High School students from selected private and underserved schools, providing them with practical exposure to emerging technologies including Machine Learning (ML), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Coding, Robotics, Internet of Things (IoT) and 3D printing.
Now in its second cohort, the Bootcamp builds on Lancaster University Ghana and Stanbic Bank Ghana’s shared commitment to providing young people with practical technology education and the skills needed to become innovators and problem-solvers.
Beyond technical training, the programme focused on developing participants’ creativity, problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, presentation and communication skills, equipping them to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges.
Participants also took part in an educational visit to MakersPlace, where they engaged in a hands-on workshop focused on Machine Learning and emerging technology applications. They further received specialised AI training delivered in partnership with Cursor Ghana, giving them additional exposure to contemporary AI tools and applications.
A key component of the Bootcamp was the opportunity for students to work collaboratively and develop practical technology-based solutions. The programme culminated in the presentation of nine capstone projects, with each group showcasing solutions developed throughout the eight-week training. The projects demonstrated the students’ ability to apply emerging technologies to challenges within their communities, while also highlighting their creativity, teamwork and problem-solving abilities.
Speaking in an interview with JoyNews, Head of the Department of Computer Science at Lancaster University Ghana, Dr. Pius Gadosey, called for increased government investment and stronger policies to support technology education and nurture young innovators.
He noted that the projects developed by the students demonstrate Ghana’s capacity to develop homegrown solutions to local challenges. “This is actually evidence that we can build our own solutions here”.
Dr. Gadosey highlighted one of the student projects focused on flooding, explaining that the students developed a prototype capable of providing alerts for flooding situations.
He further called for greater investment in technology training for young people, noting that stronger policy support could make locally developed technological solutions more accessible and contribute to a safer future for communities across Ghana. The students also had the opportunity to interact directly with industry professionals through a mentorship session led by Stanbic Bank Ghana staff, including Stephen Anokye, Technology Professional, and Audrey Zunuoh Ponu, Software Developer and AI Product Manager, Reginald Adjei Nyarko a Software Engineer, and Nana Akyaa Asante Yeboah a technology professional and Solutions Architect and Nayra Elorm Agbesi is an accomplished Solutions Analyst and former Engineering Leadership Graduate Trainee . The session provided participants with insights into careers in technology, innovation and the changing world of work.
The highlight of the closing ceremony was the presentation of nine capstone projects, developed by the students throughout the eight-week programme. Working in groups, the participants applied the knowledge and skills acquired during the Bootcamp to develop solutions to practical challenges. The capstone presentations provided students with an opportunity to demonstrate their creativity, technical understanding, teamwork and ability to communicate their ideas.
The presentations were followed by the official closing ceremony, which featured remarks from representatives of Lancaster University Ghana and Stanbic Bank Ghana, reflections from student representatives, certificate presentations and recognition of outstanding projects.
Awards comprising souvenirs, shopping vouchers ranging from GHC 1,500 to GHC 5,000 alongside internship opportunities at Stanbic Bank were presented to the top four innovations recognizing teams that demonstrated exceptional creativity and effectiveness in presenting their solutions.
The event brought together senior representatives from both institutions, Prof. Raymond Dziwornu, Academic Director, Lancaster University Ghana; Dr Pius Gadosey, Head of Computer Science, Lancaster University Ghana; Mr. George Abban, Chief Information Officer, Stanbic Bank Ghana; Mrs. Yvonne Agbesi, Head of People and Culture, Stanbic Bank Ghana: and Cheryl Priscilla Opoku, Human Capital Business Partner, People and Culture at Stanbic Bank Ghana. Other Stanbic Bank representatives included Esare Estelle, Manager Digital Transformation; Nana Serwaa Bossman, Manager Youth Banking; Seth Norgah, Manager Software Development; Tijani Adams, Head, Applications Support; and Jalilu Issahaku, Head Technology Delivery
The partnership between Lancaster University Ghana and Stanbic Bank Ghana reflects a shared commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for young people to gain practical exposure to emerging technologies and understand their potential applications across different sectors.
Through the Emerging Technologies Centre, Lancaster University Ghana continues to support initiatives that strengthen STEM and technology education while encouraging young people to become innovators and problem-solvers who can contribute to Ghana’s digital and technological future.
