IMPACT IGNITION PROGRAM GHANA 2025
Become a part of our startup mentorship program for social impact and empower changemakers!
Are you passionate about tackling social and environmental challenges? Are you interested in coaching a team of young entrepreneurs? Have you always wanted to learn more about the Ghanaian start-up scene? Then apply to become a mentor for our Impact Ignition Program:
We are looking for experienced individuals from industry and consulting who are keen to share their expertise, passion and leadership experience with innovative student teams. Our aim is to effectively support ambitious early-stage start-up teams from our partner university in Ghana on their journey from the initial idea to market maturity.
Key facts
Dates
Mentorship Phase: October 2025 – April 2026 (approx. 1-2 hrs/week)
Location
Local Partner
Wanna Join?
Your role
- Sparring partner for initial ideas, prototypes and business models
- Feedback provider for pitches, business cases and market entry strategies
- Provide examples from other business areas, corporate environments and cultures
- “Encourager” for uncertainty, setbacks and questions of feasibility
- Bridge to practice: providing market knowledge, contacts and concrete implementation support
What we offer
- Access to an international network of universities, startups and innovation partners
- Impact-oriented collaboration with highly motivated young teams
- Visibility as a mentor in a recognized innovation and entrepreneurship programme
- Opportunity to help shape future topics with added value to society as well as the future entrepreneurs in Ghana
What is it about?
inThe Impact Ignition Program is a newly developed format by the Impact Week organization that builds on the proven concept of classic Impact Weeks – but with a changed priority:
This time we focus on implementation instead of ideation. In addition to an intense on-site co-creation workshop, the program includes a structured multi-month mentoring phase to support start-ups in the long term.
We are looking for experienced professionals from industry and consulting who want to share their expertise, passion, and possibly leadership experience with innovative student founding teams.
The goal of this startup mentorship program is to create social impact by effectively supporting ambitious early-stage start-up teams from our partner university in Ghana on their journey from the initial idea to market readiness.
Your Profile
- Several years of professional experience
- Experience in working with multidisciplinary teams
- Interest in innovation, entrepreneurship and new business models
- Intercultural competence and openness to diverse perspectives
- Enjoy working with students and young founders
Timeline
| July 30, 2025 | Mentor applications close |
| August 31, 2025 | Start-up applications close |
| September 27/28, 2025 | Travel to Ghana |
| September 29 – October 4, 2025 | Start-up bootcamp in Amasaman, Ghana |
| October 2025 – March 2026 | Ongoing digital mentoring (approx. 1-2 hrs/ week) |
| April 2026 | Final joint reflection session with all participants |
Our Team for Ghana
Alexander Grots
Cornelia Garmann
Silke Widera
Dr. Bettina Maisch
Costs
Participation
Fee
Please contact us if you struggle with the costs and you want to participate as a private person.
What’s
included
- Double-room accommodation
- Airport transfers
- Meals
Not
included
- International flights to/from the local Airport
- Visa and vaccination fees
- Recreational activities
Facts
- Be aware that you are responsible for clarifying the time-off options with your supervisor
- Travel expenses have to be tackled by you or your department
- Time required: 5 days onsite (optional but recommended) + individual remote support afterwards (over at least 6 months)