Empower Young Innovators
Foster creativity and entrepreneurship among youth.
About
About Youth Innovation Circles
Youth Innovation Circles (YIC) is an innovative youth empowerment initiative under the broader Youth Africa Innovates (YAI) programme. It is spearheaded by the Mastercard Foundation and implemented through a partnership between UNDP and hapaSpace. The project is designed to identify, nurture, and elevate young innovators by providing them access to mentorship, collaborative maker spaces, and investment opportunities. YIC operates across five key regions in Ghana: Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, Ahafo, and Western Regions.
Key Features
Our Approach: From Ideas to Impact
YIC supports young innovators through the following stages
Stage 1
Application & Bootcamp
Selected participants attend a 2-day bootcamp led by NEIP to refine their ideas.
Stage 2
Maker Spaces & Mentorship
Access to state-of-the-art Maker Spaces in Ashanti, Bono (Bono East & Ahafo), and Western Regions.
One-on-one mentorship with industry professionals for tailored guidance.
Stage 3
Investor Pitch Days & Demo Nights
Innovators pitch their ideas to a panel of investors and stakeholders for funding and collaboration.
Stage 4
Follow-Up Support
Progress monitoring, data collection, and support through workshops and feedback sessions.
The Role of Our Partners
Key Partners Making YIC Possible
Mastercard Foundation
Provides strategic funding and support for the YIC initiative under the YAI programme.
UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)
Offers technical expertise, program governance, and regional facilitation.
hapaSpace
Oversees implementation, including organising bootcamps, managing maker spaces, mentorship, and innovation growth activities.
Our Maker Spaces: Where Innovation Comes Alive
YIC’s Maker Spaces are collaborative environments equipped with cutting-edge tools to help innovators turn ideas into reality. Each maker space includes:
- 3D Printers
- CNC Machines
- Laser Cutters
- Electronics Labs
- Tools for Prototyping & Design
Kumasi City Hub
Ashanti Region
Wan-Hive
Bono, Bono East, & Ahafo Regions
Duapa Werkspace
Western Region
Transforming Youth Innovation into Tangible Impact
In Ghana, youth innovation is key to solving pressing challenges in agriculture, technology, energy, and more. YIC equips young innovators with the mentorship, tools, and exposure needed to scale their solutions, drive change, and create jobs. By fostering collaboration between innovators, mentors, and investors, YIC aims to build a resilient ecosystem of youth-driven innovation.
Key Impact Goals:
- Support 300+ innovators through maker spaces, mentorship, and funding opportunities.
- Host 3 Investor Pitch Days & Demo Nights annually.
- Foster partnerships across regions to strengthen youth innovation.
