A student team from the Department of Food Science and Technology at the College of Science, KNUST, has advanced to the final round of the Anthropocene Case Competition 2026, an international agrifood sustainability challenge organized by the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences in partnership with Bonafarm Group.

The team, NYANSAPO – KNUST, emerged among the top finalists after progressing through two highly competitive online stages that drew more than 60 teams from universities around the world.

The competition challenges students to develop innovative and practical solutions to real sustainability and agrifood industry problems.

This year’s case focuses on creating viable strategies for the effective use of by-products generated across Bonafarm’s poultry value chain, even as production capacity expands significantly.

Representing KNUST are Judith Mirembe Byaruhanga, a fourth-year BSc Food Science and Technology student; Cecilly Celestina Adu-Osei, also a fourth-year Food Science and Technology student; and Elsie Achiaa Essel, an MPhil Human Nutrition and Dietetics student from the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology.

The team is mentored by Dr John-Lewis Zinia Zaukuu, lecturer in the Department of Food Science and Technology.

The team’s journey began in the first round, where they secured a place among the top 24 teams selected for the semifinal stage. During the online jury presentations held from March 23 to 25, the students impressed an international panel with the analytical depth, creativity and practical relevance of their solution.

Their performance has now earned them a place among the top finalist teams heading to the global finals in Gödöllő, Hungary, scheduled for May 13 to 15, 2026.

The final stage will feature an intensive 48-hour on-site challenge, where teams will refine and pitch their ideas before a distinguished jury of academic and industry experts.

In further recognition of the significance of the achievement, the organizers will cover the team’s travel, accommodation and meals for the final round.

The advancement of Team NYANSAPO underscores the College of Science’s growing reputation for nurturing students who can compete and excel on global platforms in science-driven innovation, sustainability and food systems problem-solving.

As the team prepares to represent KNUST and Ghana in Hungary, their success stands as a proud moment for the Department of Food Science and Technology and the wider College community.