Terraplusghana Most Innovative Award Program
As part of our continued commitment to environmental sustainability and youth empowerment, TerraPlus Ghana proudly partnered with the Environmental and Safety Engineering Department of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, in celebration of World Environment Day 2025.
Student Innovation Challenge
On June 11, 2025, UMaT hosted a Student Innovation Challenge, where three student teams—Be Team Binfluencers, Team SmartSort, and a third group—presented forward-thinking solutions to the pressing issue of plastic pollution.
Innovation Spotlight: Be Team Binfluencers
The standout innovation was presented by Be Team Binfluencers, who developed an AI-enabled waste-sorting system. Their prototype utilizes a conveyor system and robotic arm guided by computer vision to detect and classify waste into distinct categories such as plastics, metals, and organic matter. The system offers significant potential for improving waste segregation and supporting recycling efforts in Ghana.
Following the demonstration at the Grand Occasion, the team was recognized as the overall winner of the challenge.
Awards received:
- TerraPlus Ghana Plaque of Innovation
- Cash prize of GHS 1,000
- Entry into the TerraPlus Innovation to Impact Program (TIIP), a six-month structured mentorship initiative
- Award Ceremony and Institutional Engagement
- On June 12, 2025, TerraPlus Ghana representative, Mr. Emmanuel Kwesi Tandoh, participated in UMaT’s Grand Occasion. He officially presented the Innovation Award, handed over the cash prize, and outlined the next steps for the mentorship program. He also delivered remarks on the importance of institutional collaboration in addressing environmental challenges such as plastic pollution.
Mentorship and Capacity Building
Be Team Binfluencers have now been enrolled in the TerraPlus Innovation to Impact Program (TIIP), which is set to commence in July 2025 and run through December 2025. The program is designed to support the technical refinement, field testing, and impact scaling of their innovation. It includes structured mentorship, technical advisory sessions, business development support, and exposure to practical implementation environments.
Looking Ahead
The success of this collaboration affirms TerraPlus Ghana’s belief in the transformative power of youth innovation supported by the right institutional partnerships. We are confident that this engagement with UMaT and its student innovators marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration for environmental impact.
We extend our appreciation to the leadership of UMaT, all participating student teams, and our representative for ensuring the success of this year’s World Environment Day initiative.
TerraPlus Ghana
June 2025
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