Airotix Technologies receiving their cash prize after emerging winners of AGA’s innovation challenge
Airotix Technologies has been adjudged the winner of AngloGold Ashanti’s maiden Obuasi Business Innovation Challenge for 2025.
The team received GH¢100,000 as seed capital for their venture, in addition to a plaque and a certificate of recognition.
Airotix Technologies is made up of four young innovators from the Obuasi community who combined their expertise to develop a device capable of detecting air pollution levels in the environment.
During their pitch, the group delivered a compelling presentation that impressed the judges with both the clarity and depth of their explanation of the device’s operational features.
The Business Innovation Challenge was instituted by AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) to empower and uplift local communities by promoting innovative thinking and supporting the growth of high-potential enterprises in Obuasi.
In a speech read on his behalf, Mr Samuel Pobee, Managing Director of AGA, said the six-month challenge had been an extraordinary journey of creativity, resilience and determination, beginning with 42 contestants before being narrowed down to 10 finalists through a rigorous process of training and evaluation.
According to Pobee, the challenge forms a key component of AGA Obuasi Mine’s 10-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP), which underscores the company’s commitment to fostering local enterprise development. He emphasised that the initiative seeks to create sustainable jobs, diversify the local economy and promote long-term community development.
Pobee explained that by investing in local talent, AGA aims to stimulate economic activity that not only enhances the visibility of Obuasi-based businesses but also contributes to building resilient and self-sustaining communities.
He highlighted that, in addition to the Innovation Challenge, AGA has rolled out several enterprise and skills development programmes, including the flagship Skills Development and Certification Programme and the Business Acceleration and Sustainability Programme (BAST).
Through these interventions, AGA has trained 1,383 MSMEs, with women accounting for an impressive 53 per cent of participants — a reflection of the company’s commitment to inclusivity and the empowerment of women. Of those trained, 108 MSMEs gained access to financing, 810 entrepreneurs recorded an average revenue increase of 55 per cent, and 267 new jobs were created.
Overall, AGA’s empowerment initiatives have positively impacted more than 200,000 people across Obuasi communities.
At the end of the final pitch, Oli-Emma Paints placed second, receiving GH¢50,000 as start-up capital, while Charcoal Master emerged third with GH¢30,000. Lyn Special Kelewele and Joy Engineering followed in fourth and fifth positions, taking home GH¢20,000 and GH¢10,000, respectively.
All 42 participants in the competition received certificates of participation.
Wesley Akanyako, Operations and Research Officer for Airotix Technologies, expressed gratitude to AGA for the support and pledged that the team would put the funds to the intended purpose.
