Tekcycle Ghana Limited, an innovative agribusiness startup supported by the Kosmos Innovation Centre (KIC), is making strides in the detergent industry by repurposing discarded pineapple waste into biodegradable cleaning products.
This initiative not only addresses environmental concerns but also promotes sustainable job creation, especially among young women in Ghana.
Co-founded by Najat Hamid Mohammed, Tekcycle converts what would have been agricultural waste into eco-friendly cleaning solutions, significantly reducing environmental pollution while generating economic opportunities for the community.
The startup recently participated in the Agritech Challenge Classic, where they received guidance from the technical team at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). Their pitch at the final event was rewarded with funding of $20,000, which will aid in advancing their innovation further.
In an interview, Najat Hamid Mohammed expressed the company’s vision, stating, “At Tekcycle, we see waste as an opportunity. By converting pineapple waste into biodegradable cleaning products, we are not only tackling environmental pollution but also creating sustainable job opportunities for young people in Ghana. With KIC’s support, we are scaling our innovation to promote a cleaner and greener future.”
The KIC’s backing has enabled Tekcycle to refine its business model and strengthen its supply chain, thereby broadening its market reach. The impact of these efforts extends beyond the environmental benefits, as the company aims to foster economic independence for women entrepreneurs. “By producing high-performance, eco-friendly detergents, the startup is not only preserving the environment but also fostering economic independence for women entrepreneurs,” Mohammed added.
Additionally, she highlighted the significant role of female leadership in the company, asserting that Tekcycle is making a notable impact on women’s empowerment by creating employment opportunities and leadership roles within the green economy. She said, “Kosmos Innovation Centre is actively supporting women-led enterprises like Tekcycle to drive sustainable change within the agricultural sector.”
Looking ahead, Mohammed anticipates that with the ongoing support from Kosmos Innovation Centre and the Mastercard Foundation, Tekcycle will take a leading role in Ghana’s green innovation movement. “We are proving that sustainability, inclusivity, and business success can go hand in hand,” she remarked.
The Agritech Challenge Pro, hosted by KIC, is an accelerator programme aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs in Ghana to develop commercially viable and scalable solutions to significant challenges within the agricultural sector. Through initiatives like this, Tekcycle is positioned to contribute not only to economic growth but also to environmental sustainability in Ghana.
