SALT LAKE CITY — The award-winning Master of Business Creation (MBC) program at the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business graduated the first cohort of international founders through the new MBC Global option this month at a celebration in Ghana. The 18 founders enrolled from countries across Africa and grew their businesses with support from applied curriculum, personal mentorship, marketing support, and more. MBC Global is provided in Africa in partnership with Ensign Global University and Generation Africa.

“The graduation celebration in Ghana is a great accomplishment for the African founders and the MBC program,” said Jeff Davis, the newly appointed director of the MBC program globally. “The founders gained the skills and confidence they needed to scale their incredible businesses. At the same time, the MBC program learned what it takes to offer a world-class program and is positioned for continued growth around the world.”

See below for descriptions of each of the companies in the inaugural cohort of the MBC Global program.

The MBC program is expected to expand to Europe next. Anyone interested in enrolling in MBC Global can apply and request information on the program website to be notified of expanding program options. Expansion to a global program began following years of growth in the U.S.

The MBC program was first introduced in 2019 as a first-of-kind program, and over 200 founders have enrolled in the program since then. It matches the best of a business accelerator with a top-ranked university graduate degree to provide entrepreneurs with the information and resources they need to grow and scale their companies. The program is offered in partnership with the Department of Entrepreneurship & Strategy and Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute at the Eccles School of Business.

The MBC Global option features all the core elements of the successful U.S. option. The founders in the global option have access to one-on-one mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs in their location, an applied and highly relevant curriculum, networking opportunities and more. They also join a growing, international network of MBC alumni, founders, faculty and mentors.

Residents in the U.S. can enroll in two formats of the MBC program. They can enroll online in a flexible, three-semester format or an in-person, full-time, two-semester option. The MBC Global option is offered online, and founders join a cohort with other entrepreneurs from their region in a high-touch online offering with extensive peer learning.

“We are proud to be able to offer the world’s leading business accelerator plus graduate degree for serious entrepreneurs in the U.S. and in more locations around the world,” Davis said. “We invite you to learn more about the program, what it can offer you and stay tuned as we expand to new regions. We are looking for the best founders to grow the program as well as local mentors and coaches to assist their ventures.”

Dr. Bright Vandyke Okyere is one of the first founders in the MBC Global program. He enrolled from Ghana to grow Anidaso Eye Centre, a social-health enterprise committed to eliminating avoidable blindness and empowering lives through restored vision.

Okyere called his experience in the MBC program an “eye-opener.” The collaboration has helped shape a content strategy focused on storytelling, highlighting patient journeys, community impact and the people behind the mission.

“Working one-on-one with the MBC team has been incredibly helpful,” he said. “It’s an eye-opener, and I’m excited about the direction we’re heading with our marketing.”

Jannifer Muthike is another African founder who enrolled in the inaugural class of the MBC Global program. She joined for help to scale her business, Dudu Masters, a Kenya-based company that turns organic insect waste into sustainable farming solutions for smallholder farmers across the continent.

“Coming from a scientific background, I found myself a bit unsteady when I first faced the business world,” she said. “The MBC program helped me with pricing, marketing and even customer relationship management software.”

Learn more about the Master of Business Creation Global program and apply at eccles.utah.edu/mbc/global. Learn about all MBC program options at eccles.utah.edu/mbc.

MBC Global Graduates Summer 2025

  • Anidaso Eye Centre, AEC (Bright Okyere, of Akim Oda, Ghana) – AEC is a registered health social-enterprise that focuses on providing quality, affordable and accessible eye care to people in rural communities in Ghana. The social mission of AEC is to establish an efficient eye-care system aimed at reducing the prevalence and impact of visual impairment. This is achieved through the implementation of sustainable eye-care programs, advancement in technology, conducting research and enhancing human resource capacity. In its two years of operation, AEC has established two branches and has provided eye care services to more than thirty rural communities, benefiting over 5,000 individuals, including children.
  • CreaTech Motives Afrika (Samuel Quansah, Cape Coast, Ghana) – Across African K-12 education, millions of schoolchildren and educators face a shortage of relevant tools, interventions and support for hands-on STEAM learning. Algo Peers is building a vertically integrated system that combines funding, data, learning design and R&D to bridge this gap. Its core offerings include register funds (matching school needs to donors), after-school programs (locally grounded coding and physical computing) and Algo Peers Labs — a hub for learning science and educational innovation. Designed to transcend the classroom, Algo Peers co-creates intelligent, scalable solutions with communities, grounded in how STEAM learning truly happens: through inquiry, relevance and collaboration.
  • Dudu Masters Limited (Jannifer Muthike, of Kianyaga, Kenya) – At Dudu Masters, they believe that farmers can produce their own premium organic fertilizer naturally and sustainably, by harnessing the power of insects — black soldier flies and redworms. They design and set up fully integrated, AI-enabled insect farms that transform agricultural waste into premium vermicompost, proven to boost crop yields by up to 42%. Through training, we equip farmers and agripreneurs with the knowledge and technical skills needed in insect farming to improve food security, soil health and income generation across the region.
  • Eco Protin Ltd (Kwabena Tufuor, of Accra, Ghana) – Eco Protin Ltd harnesses organic waste streams, insect technology and IoT to produce a low-cost but high-quality insect-based alternative proteins and feeds for local poultry, fish and pig farmers with the aim of saving them up to 30% in feed cost. A by-product of the production process known as frass is used as organic fertilizer by smallholder vegetable farmers. Their business is in line with the UN Sustainable Goal 1 (No Poverty), Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) and Goal 13 (Climate Action).
  • Ecovon (Isaac Brenya, of Sefwi Wiawso, Ghana) – Ecovon believes that there is a better way of making building materials. That is why they are focusing on completely rethinking and redesigning how the new generation of building materials is made. Ecovon is developing sustainably sourced, newly engineered wood made from coconut husk and sugar cane bagasse, supplying the global market with a formaldehyde-free bio-based wood alternative that is better for people and planet.
  • Healthmates Nutrition Limited (Joseph Danquah, of Accra, Ghana) – Healthmates Nutrition Limited is a social enterprise passionate about accelerating nutrition progress through social business models with a focus on eradicating malnutrition among Africa’s under-5 population. They undertake projects with the aim to reduce the occurrence of child malnutrition. Through their impact projects, they have trained over 500 mothers on how to prepare nutritious complementary foods. Currently, they are in the process of developing a ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) using locally available ingredients such as moringa, peanut, among other.
  • Inocul8 (Emmanuel Egbroko, of Johannesburg, South Africa) – Inocul8 is a health technology company championing access to preventive healthcare solutions across Africa. They provide access to infection prevention solutions in the most convenient and affordable fashion, saving users of our services time and money, while offering them good health and well-being.
  • JGrand Commodities (Justice Ganaku, of Accra, Ghana) – JGrand Commodities is a dynamic company dedicated to transforming the cashew industry in Ghana by adding value at the source. Their flagship product, Juki Nuts, offers premium, flavored and roasted cashews, processed directly in Ghana. By managing the entire supply chain — from working closely with smallholder farmers to processing and packaging the final product — they ensure top-quality, delicious cashews while empowering local farmers and boosting the local economy. Their mission is to provide consumers with a superior snacking experience, promote sustainable agriculture, and create economic opportunities in rural Ghana.
  • Lenzvision Optical Company Ltd (Raphael Kyei, of Accra, Ghana) – Lenzvision Optical Company Ltd is an eye care company that provides eye care services like eye tests, diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions. They also sell eye care products.
  • LIFT DESIGNS (Eric Amissah, of Accra, Ghana) – Lift Designs provides printing of posters, banners, stickers, newspapers, publications, brochures, invitation cards, computer-to-plate plate making, business advisory, business documentation processes, assistance in recruitment processes for companies, pure water manufacturing and import of drinks (Rainbow 7 Energy Drinks).
  • NascoTech (Banasco Seidu Nuhu, of Accra, Ghana) – NascoTech is a Spanish-Ghanaian technology company with a mission to bridge the digital divide in Africa. They provide IT services to businesses globally, generating employment opportunities for young people in Ghana, particularly those in rural areas. NascoTech also equips these young people with the necessary ICT skills through bootcamps and other training programs and outsources them to European companies.
  • Netsor Company Limited (Eric Edze, of Saki, Ghana) – Over 54% of medical or healthcare deliveries go wrong or are undelivered in Ghana. This is because there is no medical delivery or courier aggregator that effectively connects quality healthcare logistics service providers to suppliers, health facilities and patients. Netsor uses interactive web and mobile applications (for booking on-demand medical courier services) to provide quick and easy access to quality medical delivery or courier services by connecting high quality delivery/courier service providers to medical sector suppliers, pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, veterinary laboratories, drug stores, health centers and patients, leveraging competitive pricing, technology and convenience.
  • Oceansmall (Caroline Pomeyie, of Accra, Ghana) – Oceansmall Company Ltd is a seafood supply and processing company in Ghana, transforming the fisheries value chain through technology and innovation. They acquire fresh seafood directly from small-scale fishers, add value through processing, and supply premium products to restaurants and retail clients. Their digital platform, Pinwheel, simplifies stock management, meal planning and seafood sourcing for our partners. With a focus on quality, traceability and impact, Oceansmall is bridging the gap between coastal fishers and urban markets — one clean-cut, tasty fillet at a time.
  • Riwe Technologies (Chigozirim Israel, of Owerri, Nigeria) – Riwe is driven by the belief that every farmer and community across Africa should have access to resilience, prosperity and resources needed to thrive. Utilizing satellite data, artificial intelligence, and deep learning, Riwe offers tailored, mobile-accessible, inclusive and affordable weather insurance and climate insights to protect the income of farmers in underserved communities against climate risks and other uncertainties, ensuring their income stability and resilience. Riwe’s solution is paperless and automated, providing accessibility even without an internet connection or a smart device, and is available in local dialects. Riwe’s solution also provides a comprehensive service infrastructure for payers and businesses.
  • Siklitë Desserts (Beatrice Addy of Accra, Ghana) – Siklitë is a Ghanaian-owned chocolate dessert company dedicated to crafting exquisite treats that celebrate the rich flavors and cultural heritage of Ghana. Founded on the principles of sustainability, social responsibility and culinary innovation, Siklitë has quickly become a beloved brand both locally and internationally.
  • SUKU Technologies Limited (Tsonam Akpeloo, of Accra, Ghana) – SUKU Technologies Limited is a dynamic technology solutions and management consulting firm, dedicated to helping clients achieve their business objectives. Founded in 2017 (to inherent Techcom Visions, which was founded in 2009), their experienced team offers over a decade of IT industry and management consulting expertise. They provide software development, network engineering, digital solutions and management consulting services to a diverse clientele. Their mission is to transform businesses through strategic interventions, ensuring they remain competitive and innovative. Key initiatives include Kadodo Africa, a business verification portal authenticating SMEs in Ghana and Africa.
  • Supretec Aluminium & Roofing (Ademola Osho, of Lagos, Nigeria) – Supretec is an eco-friendly roofing company that produces durable, affordable and quality with clear aesthetics roof tiles from plastic, cellophane and soft sand using a locally fabricated machine. The company also facilitates asset loans through its partners for low-income earners to finance their project with a flexible repayment plan.
  • WASHKING LIMITED (Dieudonne Agudah, of Accra, Ghana) – WASHKING is a sanitation social enterprise in Ghana serving urban low-income and underserved communities with safe, sustainable, and climate-resilient sanitation solutions. By utilizing biodigester technology and digitally-enabled services, WASHKING addresses the issue of inadequate access to sanitation facilities. To date, WASHKING has built 910 biodigesters, serving over 7,600 daily users, effectively tackling adequacy and affordability concerns. We aim to scale using social licensing or franchising.

About the David Eccles School of Business

At the Eccles School, students do more than earn a degree or learn business – they live the experience with hands-on immersive learning. This empowers students to graduate not only with a degree, but the real-world experience, the mindset, skills and confidence to succeed. Founded in 1917 and educating more than 6,000 students annually, the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah offers nine undergraduate majors, four MBA programs, eight specialized master’s programs, five Ph.D. academic tracks and an executive education program. The Eccles School is also home to more than 16 institutes, centers and initiatives, which create societal impact through academic research, applied knowledge, leadership and innovation. Learn more at eccles.utah.edu.

About the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute

The Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute is a nationally ranked hub for student entrepreneurship and innovation at the University of Utah and an interdisciplinary division of the David Eccles School of Business. The first programs were offered in 2001, through the vision and support of Pierre Lassonde, an alumnus of the Eccles School and successful mining entrepreneur. The institute now provides opportunities for thousands of students to learn about entrepreneurship and innovation. Programs include workshops, networking events, business-plan competitions, startup support, innovation programs, graduate seminars, scholarships, community outreach and more. All programs are open to students from any academic major or background. The Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute also manages Lassonde Studios, a five-story innovation space and housing facility for all students. Learn more at lassonde.utah.edu.