KEEP-Funded MPhil Graduate Explores Intellectual Property Pathways for Student Entrepreneurs

Cletus Apobona Adongo, a graduating MPhil student from the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at KNUST, delved into the critical intersection of intellectual property (IP) and student-led innovation, offering valuable insights into how young entrepreneurs can protect and benefit from their ideas.

Mr. Adongo’s research assessed the factors that drive student entrepreneurs to adopt intellectual property protections. Specifically, his work examined how awareness of IP, the challenges of registering IP, ownership dynamics, and institutional support from the university facilitate the adoption of patents and trademarks. His findings shed light on how these elements ultimately bring tangible benefits to student-run ventures.

He expressed profound gratitude to his supervisor, Dr Jerome Dela Lavie, for the invaluable guidance, whose expertise and mentorship were instrumental to the success of his studies.

Mr. Adongo also acknowledged the pivotal role of the KNUST Engineering Education Project (KEEP) in his academic journey. The project provided financial support that enabled him to complete his research. He extended his sincere thanks to the staff and management of KEEP for their steadfast support and encouragement throughout his studies.

Building on the foundation of his MPhil research, Mr. Adongo plans to conduct further work focusing on the adoption of petty patents among student innovators, aiming to strengthen the intellectual property landscape for emerging entrepreneurs at KNUST