The TCC-CIMET has officially launched the 2026 Annual Innovation Challenge as part of activities marking World Engineering Day.

The launch took place during a hybrid webinar organized under the theme “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Engineering for Sustainable Development.”

The session brought together engineering professionals, academics, industry leaders and students to explore how artificial intelligence and digital engineering innovations are shaping sustainable solutions across industries.

Discussions during the webinar highlighted the role of engineers in developing smart systems, building resilient infrastructure and advancing sustainable development through technological innovation.

Lecturer and AI expert at the Georgia Institute of Technology, Leonardo Garcia Bottia, delivered a presentation centered on the theme, where he examined how artificial intelligence can support engineering solutions that address global sustainability challenges.

“Artificial intelligence is no longer a concept of the future; it is a powerful tool that engineers can use today to design smarter systems, improve infrastructure, and develop sustainable solutions that address global challenges. By combining AI with digital engineering, we are able to analyze complex data, optimize systems, and create technologies that make our cities, industries and communities more efficient and resilient. For the next generation of engineers, understanding and applying these tools will be critical in solving some of the world’s most pressing problems, from climate change to sustainable infrastructure development,” he said.

As a side event to the hybrid webinar, the  2026 Annual Innovation Challenge was launched by Ing. Mark Baah, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Grid Company Limited, alongside Prof. Samuel Owusu-Ofori, Chairman of the Innovation Challenge Committee.

Chairman of the event and Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Grid Company Limited explained that the competition is an opportunity for students to be creative and innovative towards Africa’s numerous challenges in circular economy.

“The competition presents a unique opportunity for students to be creative and innovative in addressing Africa’s numerous challenges, particularly in advancing the circular economy. We want to encourage young engineers and innovators to think critically and develop solutions that not only tackle existing problems but also anticipate future needs. By focusing on the circular economy, students can explore ways to reduce waste, optimize resource use, and create sustainable systems that will benefit communities across the continent. Platforms like this challenge are essential for nurturing the next generation of African innovators and equipping them with the skills, mindset, and confidence to transform ideas into impactful solutions,” he said.

Director-General of TCC-CIMET, Francis Davis, urged students across the sub-region to share their innovative ideas, assuring them that the most promising solutions would receive mentorship and the necessary support to turn their concepts into real-world projects.

“We encourage all students across the sub-region to bring forward their innovative ideas and present them through this challenge. Outstanding solutions will not only be recognized but also supported with mentorship, resources, and guidance to turn these ideas into real, impactful projects. Our goal is to ensure that creativity and innovation are rewarded and that young engineers have the opportunity to see their solutions make a tangible difference in communities across West Africa,” he said.

Also present at the launch were Apollonius Osei-Akoto Asare, representing the Ghana Commission for UNESCO; Isaac Bedu, representing the Engineering Council of Ghana; and Mrs. Emily Otoo Asare.

The Innovation Challenge aims to encourage students and young innovators to develop practical engineering solutions to real-world problems while promoting collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing within the engineering community.

The initiative forms part of TCC-CIMET’s broader efforts to advance engineering education and innovation across Ghana and the West African sub-region.