The Technology and Entrepreneurship Center (TEC) successfully launched and held the first editions of “Trash to Cash – Environmental Sustainability Workshop” and “Laser Cutting Technology for Packaging Solutions and Laser Cutting Jewelry Making Workshop.” These workshops are a component of the TEC’s strategy to capitalize on emerging technology and university resources and knowledge in order to empower the local community in the areas of sustainable development and entrepreneurship. This newsletter will continue to monitor the impact of these initiatives and share the findings to key stakeholders.

These two workshops helped sixty individuals, seventy percent of whom were female. Participants included company owners, students, environmentalists, local government officials, moms, young people interested in forming their own environmental sustainability organizations, and reporters interested in covering climate and environment concerns. Doris Mawuena, a workshop participant, described how the program informed her regarding the importance of an idea or company model. During the course, she was thrilled to have learned about designing her business model. The important takeaways for Akweley, another participant, were the ability to identify grants, apply for them, create a good pitch deck, and the power of narrative.