DTI inaugurates Innovation and Precision centre at ATU
The Design and Technology Institute (DTI) has set up an Innovation and Incubation Hub as well as a Demonstration Centre for Precision Welding and Fabrication at the Accra Technical University (ATU).
The Founder of Design and Technology Institute (DTI), Constance Swaniker, who was joined by other dignitaries to inaugurate the facilities, said the public-private partnership between DTI and ATU was to strengthen industry-academia collaboration in implementing Precision Quality (PQ) to enhance the delivery of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the country.
"We take pride in what this partnership signifies, that innovation, collaboration and determination can bridge institutional gaps and propel the youth into sustainable livelihoods,” she stated.
Ms Swaniker explained that the new facilities would support the integration of the PQ curriculum into ATU’s programmes, to enhance the employability of graduates.
She stated that the demonstration centre was funded through a partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, with an investment of around GH¢2.1 million, targeting multiple departments and providing cutting-edge tools for hands-on skills training.
Ms Swaniker mentioned the ongoing collaboration with ATU to retool and upgrade departments, including Fashion and Interior Design, Hospitality and Hotel Management, Management and Public Administration, and Electrical and Electronics, saying those improvements would extend access not only to ATU students and DTI interns but also to learners from other institutions and unemployed youth in surrounding communities.
Transformation
The Accra Regional Chair of the Association of Ghana Industries, Tsonam Cleanse Akpeloo, said the initiative was intended to transform technical universities from construction hubs into springboards for innovation, entrepreneurship, and long-term development.
Dignitaries during a tour of the Welding Demonstration Centre and innovation hub at ATU in Accra
Picture: EDNA SALVO KOTEY
"This new facility is a turning point. It reflects a bold vision to empower students, precision, quality, intent and unemployed youth alike, equipping them with the globally relevant skills needed to thrive in the holy world of wealth,” he stated.
Facility
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of ATU, Professor Amevi Acakpovi, said the new hub was more than just an educational structure—it was a strategic platform for skills development and economic empowerment.
Participants in the ceremony, Picture: EDNA SALVO KOTEY
He explained that the centre would serve students, unemployed graduates, and community members while also generating internal revenue through commercial services, certification programmes, and short courses.
Prof. Acakpovi added that the renovated facilities had created a dynamic ecosystem built on the PQ concept, which emphasised accuracy, consistency, and practical skills aligned with industry demands.
He further stated that the university’s goal was to ensure graduates could seamlessly transition into employment after completing their programmes.
Constance Elizabeth Swaniker, Founder and President of the Design and Technology Institute (DTI) speaking at the event
Picture: EDNA SALVO KOTEY
"Our dream is that when it comes to undertaking any programming, you are fully prepared to go directly into employment,” he stated.
The Director of Research, Innovation, Publication and Technology Transfer at ATU, Dr Peter Nyanor, announced that the university would begin integrating the PQ curriculum into its academic programmes next year.
He said the PQ standards would also be applied to industry professionals participating in training workshops at the facility.
