Heritors Labs Limited, a product development house, software engineering enclave, research center, and innovation services hub, in collaboration with its funding partner RISA Fund and key stakeholders, held the maiden edition of the Future Innovators and Researchers Experience (FIRE) at the British Council Ghana on 28th February,2025 to drive a shift in the mindset of Ghana’s future innovators towards commercialisation and expose them to ecosystem opportunities.

FIRE 2025 is a key initiative within the Africa Research and Innovation Commercialisation Summit (ARICS 2025) that seeks to empower the next generation of innovators to accelerate research commercialisation and to build a more inclusive innovation ecosystem for Africa.

Mr. Derrydean Dadzie, CEO of Heritors Labs, underscored the urgency of investing in young actors, especially teenagers and the youth, in Africa’s innovation ecosystem: "FIRE is a powerful reminder that Africa’s future in Science, Technology, Innovation, and Research (STIR) depends on how well we nurture and empower the next generation. By bridging the gap between young innovators, academia, and industry, we are not just inspiring ideas; we are laying the foundation for groundbreaking solutions that will drive our continent forward."

He added, "The energy, curiosity, and bold thinking we witnessed today is a sterling reaffirmation that the future of African innovation is in capable hands."

Vice president of Heritors Labs, Kofi Ocloo, speaking at the event, emphasised the power of young innovators, whom he described as the springboard to the future of Africa’s research and innovation ecosystem.

“We cannot talk about the future of innovation without involving young innovators; and FIRE is that platform where young innovators can find nurturing, guidance and support to enable them to grow.

 One thing that’s clear with FIRE 2025 is the collective desire to ignite the curiosity and thinking minds of our young innovators and researchers to produce solutions, to inspire them to reach great heights with their creativity and to democratise innovation,” he said.

Mr. Ocloo added: “We want to expose our young innovators and researchers to possibilities and hands-on knowledge through mentorships and trainings, and to encourage collaborations with industry in the manner that provides a favourable ecosystem for them to thrive.”

Country director for the British Council in Ghana, Cameroon and Sierra Leone, Nii Doodo Dodoo, who delivered the keynote address, commended the impact and works of Heritors Labs and its funding partner RISA Fund as enablers of Africa’s research and innovation ecosystem.

He indicated that the mission and deliverables of FIRE were aligned to various initiatives of the British Council that seek to empower young innovators with the needed tools and guidance to succeed and grow.

“To the young innovators in this room, your ideas have the power to transform industries, drive economic growth and solve Africa’s pressing challenge; but innovation is not only about groundbreaking ideas, it’s also about persistence, collaboration and the courage the change the norm,” he whipped up the participants.

On his part, the head of the UK’s West Africa Research and Innovation Hub (WARIH), Jamie Proctor, touted the existing partnerships between the UK and Ghana governments that are aimed at stimulating economic growth through research and innovation commercialisation.

“The UK and Ghana governments are firmly focused on unlocking economic growth as evidenced by strategic partnerships that seek to direct investments into research and development,” he said. Mr. Proctor also emphasised the need for innovators and researchers to tap the power of the private sector to commercialize their innovations and works to drive national growth.

“Africa’s innovators need to build global centres of excellence, with it comes further investments and opportunities for jobs and wealth creation,” he added.

In her brief remarks, director of the STEM Science Unit of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Olivia Opare, urged the gathering to embrace STEM learning which fosters critical thinking and innovation.

She said: “As you continue your education in the area of innovation and research, never stop exploring and dreaming because the world needs your innovative ideas, passion and dedication to impact the world.

Country Technical Lead for the RISA Fund in Ghana, Gameli Adjaho, acknowledged the mutual interest of the UK and Ghana governments in advancing research and innovation as key enablers of social and economic growth.

He noted that the RISA Fund was proud of its core mandate of strengthening research and innovation ecosystems across Africa, and equally excited about FIRE considering the long-term impact on sustaining the African research and innovation ecosystem.

 “As we prepare the next generation of researchers and innovators, we have to encourage that change in culture that enhances commercialisation of research outcomes and initiatives like FIRE are important to energise young innovators,” he stressed.