UPSA, Hallmark Research Labs sign US$240m MoU to establish AI lab

The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hallmark Research Labs, a Ghana-based artificial intelligence (AI) research entity, for the establishment of a state-of-the-art AI laboratory at the university.

The partnership, worth US$240million over the next ten years, is expected to support the government’s agenda of advancing and integrating AI into Ghana’s national development strategy.

Hallmark Research Labs, a non-profit research and advisory foundation, focuses on breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, quantum computing and data analytics across a wide range of industries.

Philip Gamey, Executive Chairman of Hallmark Research Labs, described the agreement as “the inauguration of a shared future in line with the Presidential Special Initiative on Artificial Intelligence”.

“This is not just the signing of a document. It is a moment that, I believe, will be looked back upon as a pivotal step in the journey of artificial intelligence,” he said.

Mr. Gamey noted that the partnership would attract top talent from both academia and industry, giving them access to resources and academic freedom to explore new frontiers in AI research.

He explained that the lab would make Ghana competitive on the global stage by creating investment opportunities and high-quality jobs. It would also address the challenges of labour substitution by redesigning jobs and preparing Ghanaians for emerging roles in the AI-driven economy.

“Our shared vision for this lab is expansive: from advancing core AI algorithms and understanding natural language, to tackling complex challenges in computer vision and ensuring AI’s ethical development. We envision new applications that will accelerate scientific discovery, transform healthcare and create opportunities across every sector,” Mr. Gamey added.

The Minister of State in charge of Special Initiatives and MP for Nkoranza South, Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum, who witnessed the signing, said Ghana must seize opportunities in the rapidly expanding AI space to create jobs for its people.

Vice-Chancellor of UPSA, Professor John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, expressed optimism that the project would enhance the university’s research capacity in artificial intelligence and information technology. He thanked the ministry and Hallmark Research Labs for their support in making the initiative possible.

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