Circular Business Incubation Program (CBIP)

Empowering innovators to transform circular economy ideas and early prototypes into sustainable, high-impact businesses across Ghana.

About the Program

The Circular Business Incubation Program (CBIP) supports passionate innovators addressing environmental challenges through circular economy solutions. Over 9 months and 2 weeks, participants receive practical business training, technical mentorship, prototype development support, and access to funding opportunities.

1. Innovation Hackathon

3-day in-person practical training and coaching in Kumasi to fine-tune your business idea and test viability.

2. Developmental Phase

6 months of 1-on-1 virtual business and technical mentorship focused on MVP development.

3. Demo Day

Present your finished MVP to investors, partners, and key industry stakeholders in Kumasi.

4. Post-Incubation

3 months of market entry guidance, along with regulatory and legal advisory support.

Why You Should Apply

Everything you gain from this incubation program is 100% free!

Business Knowledge: Practical training in business modeling and operations.
MVP Support: 1-on-1 technical mentorship to build your prototype.
Legal Advisory: Regulatory and legal support for business setup.
Networking: Exposure to key industry stakeholders and investors.
Funding & Certificates: Direct access to funding opportunities and an official RUG Certificate upon completion.

Eligibility Criteria

Age: 18 to 35 years old at the time of application.
Team Size: Teams of at least 2 members.
Stage: Idea or early prototype stage (no prior sales or market-ready products).
Sectors: Plastics, Agricultural & Food Systems, or Textile & Fashion.
Location: Permanent residents of Ghana (all 16 regions welcome, execution must be in Ghana). No relocation plans before 2030.
Education: Minimum Senior High School (SHS) with fluency in English.
Females and women-led teams are strongly encouraged to apply!

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated on:

Problem & Market Need: Clear problem definition and target market fit.
Circular Economy Impact: Strong contribution to waste reduction and sustainability.
Impact Potential: Environmental, social, and economic benefits.
MVP Feasibility: Feasibility and technical capacity to build the prototype.
Innovation: Originality and uniqueness of the solution.
Commitment: Availability and dedication throughout the 9-month program.

Program Timeline & Key Dates

Applications Open

6th November – 4th December, 2026

Interview

December, 2026

Feedback

December 2026 – January 2027.

Application Process

Online Application: Fill out the official application form with details about your team, solution, and circular economy vision.
Review & Screening: Submitted applications are evaluated by our selection committee based on eligibility and impact potential.
Shortlisting: Successful teams will be notified via email for an initial interview/screening.
Cohort Selection: Selected teams receive confirmation and onboarding details for the Innovation Hackathon in Kumasi.

Further Inquiries

Have questions about your application or eligibility?

Reach out to our team at [email protected] or contact us via WhatsApp/Phone at +233 537 614 544.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will I be asked to pay to participate in CBIP?

No. Registration is free! Participation is free! You will not pay money to RUG to participate in innovation hackathon, demo day or mentoring sessions.

Will accommodation be provided for in-person sessions if I do not live in Kumasi?

Yes, if you reside outside of Kumasi, accommodation will be provided for in-person sessions at no cost.

I do not live in Ashanti Region. Can I apply?

Absolutely! This opportunity is open to all youth across all 16 regions of Ghana.

Can you explain what a circular business is?

A circular business is a business that reduces waste and makes better use of resources by reusing, repairing, recycling, refurbishing, or transforming materials into new products or services instead of allowing them to go to waste.

Can applicants outside Ghana apply for the CBIP?

No. Applicants must be permanent residents of Ghana and must intend to implement their proposed business solutions in Ghana.

How do I apply for the Circular Business Incubation Program?

Interested applicants should first read all there is to know about the program on this website, complete and submit the official online application form, also available on this website.