Samuel Naamgwinaa’s journey from a young boy repairing electronics in his community to becoming the overall winner of the prestigious 2024 Presidential Pitch is nothing short of remarkable. At just 25 years old, Samuel has already established himself as an innovative force in Ghana, creating solutions that have the potential to transform not only the way people use energy but also how they view everyday problems. Samuel’s story is deeply intertwined with the Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC), an initiative that has played a pivotal role in nurturing his talent and helping him realise his potential.
Samuel’s big breakthrough came with his invention of the “Smart Switch,” an automated system that allows users to remotely control their light consumption. By integrating a SIM card into the switch, users can simply call a number to turn their lights on or off, even from a distance. This innovation doesn’t just make life more convenient—it significantly reduces energy wastage and contributes to Ghana’s broader energy conservation efforts. Samuel’s creation captured the attention of Ghana’s president and a panel of judges at the 2024 Presidential Pitch, earning him top honours and a prize of GHS 200,000. His journey from the small streets of Takoradi to winning one of the nation’s highest accolades for innovation is a testament to his hard work, ingenuity, and the support he received from KIC.
However, Samuel’s journey didn’t start with the Smart Switch. In fact, his passion for innovation began when he was just seven years old. “I started my journey in innovation when I was about seven years old,” Samuel recalled. “While attending school, I would create innovations that the school took to exhibitions.” One of his early creations was a prototype motorbike, built using waste materials. This project won at an inter-regional competition and was a foreshadowing of his future success in the world of engineering and innovation.
As Samuel grew older, his inventions became more sophisticated. He began repairing mobile phones, radios, and other electronic devices for people in his community, which gave him invaluable hands-on experience with the inner workings of electronics. But his real breakthrough came when he joined the KIC Agritech Challenge in 2024. “KIC has been very helpful in teaching participants about business, market readiness, and pitching,” Samuel said. “They have a lot of valuable resources for inventors.” The programme allowed Samuel to refine his skills, not just as an innovator but also as an entrepreneur.
Samuel credits KIC with helping him bridge the gap between ideas and viable business concepts. “The KIC Market Research Tours, Capacity Building Trainings, particularly on Business Concepts, and the Pitch Decks shared by Ato Ulzen-Appiah and other resource persons were crucial in my preparation for the final pitch,” Samuel explained. The structured nature of the KIC programme gave him the confidence and knowledge he needed to succeed in the competitive world of innovation. “Although I had participated in similar pitches before, I rarely won prizes. However, since joining the KIC Agritech Challenge, I have been empowered through its structured capacity-building programmes, inspiring me to aim for and achieve success this time around.”
Winning the 2024 Presidential Pitch was a life-changing moment for Samuel, but it is far from the end of his journey. Samuel is now focused on expanding the automation principles behind the Smart Switch to benefit smallholder farmers in the Western Region and across Ghana. “We are working on developing a new concept that applies automation to agriculture,” he explained. This next step in his career is driven by his passion for using technology to solve real-world problems, particularly in sectors like agriculture, where efficiency and resource management are critical.
Samuel’s success is not just a personal achievement; it’s a shining example of the transformative power of the Kosmos Innovation Center. The programme continues to nurture young innovators like Samuel, equipping them with the tools and knowledge they need to excel. Through KIC, Samuel has gained invaluable mentorship, business acumen, and a network of like-minded individuals who are all working toward making Ghana and the world a better place. “KIC didn’t just support us financially. They provided us with mentors and programme officers at every stage, guiding us through product development, testing, and even setting up the donation initiative for our pads,” Samuel said.
Looking ahead, Samuel remains optimistic about the future of his innovations. He believes that, through continued hard work and the support of programmes like KIC, he can make a lasting impact on the world. “The Smart Switch I’m developing could help people save money, and if I can continue improving my innovations, I believe they can make a positive impact,” he said confidently.
Samuel Naamgwinaa’s journey is a testament to what can be achieved when talent, hard work, and support come together. From a young boy tinkering with electronics in Takoradi to becoming a national hero in innovation, Samuel’s story is one of perseverance, vision, and a deep commitment to solving problems. Thanks to the Kosmos Innovation Center, Samuel’s dreams of making a difference are becoming a reality, and his story will continue to inspire future generations of innovators and entrepreneurs in Ghana and beyond.