The College of Basic and Applied Sciences (CBAS) at the University of Ghana has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SORA Technology, a leading Japanese firm specialising in cutting-edge drone and AI solutions.
A team from SORA Technology, led by Mr. Masaki Umeda, Director and Vice-President of the company, visited the University to formalise this pioneering agreement with the College.
The primary objective of the collaboration is to spearhead the development and implementation of advanced drone and AI solutions focused on health surveillance. The partnership aims to address global health challenges and enhance the university's capabilities in leveraging technology for monitoring and responding to health-related issues.
At a brief ceremony held to formalise the collaboration, Prof. Boateng Onwona-Agyeman, the Provost of CBAS provided a background and highlighted engagements with the SORA Technology team that culminated in the agreement. He expressed enthusiasm about such an innovative academia-industry collaboration and announced the readiness of the College to provide the needed support for the implementation of the details of the MoU.
Prof. Boateng Onwona-Agyeman, the Provost of CBAS (Left)
Prof. Onwona-Agyeman detailed the potential for groundbreaking advancements in health surveillance through the integration of SORA Technology's expertise.
In a brief statement, Prof. Dan Ofori, Provost for the College of Humanities, then Ag. Pro Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs expressed gratitude for the partnership. He acknowledged the agreement between CBAS and SORA Technology as a collaborative effort that aligns with the University's commitment to innovation and fruitful academia-industry partnerships.
Prof. Dan Ofori, Provost for the College of Humanities
Prof. Ofori lauded the arrangements under the MoU that would see students of the University undertake internships with the company, where students can gain hands-on experience with drone technologies. He mentioned that this gives impetus to the University’s Internship Policy, launched recently in response to developing a holistic approach to training industry-ready students.
Mr. Masaki Umeda, on his part, conveyed appreciation for the warm reception and outlined the positive outcomes envisioned from the MoU. Emphasising the significance of the partnership, Mr. Umeda highlighted the potential to groom future specialists in drones and AI through tailored training programmes for interns and volunteers from CBAS.
Mr. Masaki Umeda, Director and Vice-President of SORA Technology
Prof. Dan Ofori, then Ag. Pro Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs and Prof. Boateng Onwona-Agyeman, Provost of CBAS, signed the MOU on behalf of the University of Ghana. Mr. Masaki Umeda, Director and Vice-President, signed on behalf of SORA Technology accompanied by Mr. Patrick Sarpong. Mrs. Ama Twumasiwaa Henneh, Legal Officer at the Office of the Legal Counsel, supervised the signing of the MoU.
University officials who were present at the ceremony included Prof. Elsie Effah Kaufmann, Dean of the School of Engineering Sciences; Prof. Abu Yaya, Department of Materials Science and Engineering; Dr. Godfrey A. Mills, Head of the Department of Computer Engineering; Dr. Kwame Adu Agyekum, Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences; Mrs. Mavis Otoo-Ayeh, College Secretary for CBAS; Mr. Daniel Hormeku, Academic Officer for CBAS, Ms. Victoria Anim, Public Affairs Officer for CBAS and Mr. Mawusi Glozah, Senior Assistant Registrar for the Office of the Pro VC (ASA).
SORA Technology, based in Nagoya, Japan, is a pioneering tech firm dedicated to transforming lives through advancements in air mobility, particularly leveraging drones. The collaboration between CBAS and SORA Technology holds the promise of revolutionising health surveillance practices and contributing to a sustainable society resilient to health challenges, particularly dealing with Malaria in Ghana.
