What Academic City University College does

Academic City University College is a private STEAM and entrepreneurship-focused higher education institution headquartered in Accra, Ghana, that delivers undergraduate and graduate programmes in Engineering (Electrical and Electronics, Mechanical, Computer, and Biomedical), Business Administration, Informatics, and Communication Arts. Founded in 2017 and granted a Presidential Charter in 2024, it operates from a single modern campus in Haatso/Agbogba, Accra, with an employee base of 101-250. Its core technology platform is ACity+ Digital Campus, a web and mobile (Android and iOS) collaboration and learning platform with Google OAuth-based student authentication, supporting on- and off-campus engagement. Notable student-developed technologies include the low-cost Arduino/PID poultry incubator, the Mercury Sensing Water Quality Monitor, the SMART NELDI smart home device control system, an automated poultry farm, a surgical lamp for rural hospitals, and the Sustain City 2.0 plastic recycling machine built in collaboration with the University of Dayton and Millersville University.

Academic City generates revenue primarily through tuition and fees for its undergraduate and graduate degree programmes (including MSc Data Science and Analytics, MSc Cyber Security, MPhil/MSc Robotics Engineering, and a STEM-MBA delivered in partnership with Northern Kentucky University), supplemented by the Presidential Scholarship programme (full scholarships valued at $40,000 per recipient covering four years of tuition, housing, meals, laptop, stipend, and transportation) and grants such as the Seeding Labs Instrumental Access award. Its go-to-market combines an inside-sales Admissions Call Center staffed by bilingual Tele-Callers (compensated at GHS 3,000 per month), event-driven community engagement (annual Tech Expo, TEDx, Education Conference, CEEA Africa Summit), and pan-African and international outreach evidenced by students from 15 African countries and exchange cohorts of 110 Tetr College students representing 40+ nationalities.

The university's strategic positioning rests on several pillars: first-mover status in Sub-Saharan Africa for BSc Nuclear Engineering and BSc Unmanned Aerial Systems Engineering, a near-100% graduate placement rate, THE rankings of 2nd in Ghana and 15th in Sub-Saharan Africa (2023) and 6th in Ghana with 4th in Africa for Impact (2024), and a deep international partnership network (NKU, Northeastern, AUA, Tetr, GAEC, Israeli Embassy, Seeding Labs). No public revenue figures, parent company, or external institutional investor ownership are disclosed; the institution is funded primarily through tuition, scholarships, and grants.

Name

Academic City University College

Legal name

Academic City University College

Website

https://acity.edu.gh

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Academic City University College is a private STEAM and entrepreneurship-focused university in Accra, Ghana, offering undergraduate and graduate programmes in Engineering, Business, Informatics, and Communication Arts, and is the first institution in Sub-Saharan Africa to offer BSc Nuclear Engineering and BSc Unmanned Aerial Systems Engineering.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Technical Universities with Computing, Data & AI Focus (EDAHAEAK)

akta.pro secondary industry

Technical Universities with Energy, Materials & Sustainability Focus (EDAHAEAL)

Keywords

• Higher education services
• Engineering degree programs
• Graduate business education
• Computer science degrees
• Entrepreneurship education

Headquarters

HQ city

Accra

HQ country

Ghana

HQ region

Africa

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Undergraduate Tuition and Fees: Academic City University generates revenue primarily through tuition and fees charged for its undergraduate and graduate degree programmes. Fees and scholarships are publicly listed on the university's website.
2. Graduate and Master's Programme Tuition: Revenue is generated from tuition for graduate programmes including MSc in Data Science and Analytics, MSc in Cybersecurity, MPhil, and STEM-MBA (delivered in partnership with Northern Kentucky University).
3. Presidential Scholarship Programme: Full Presidential Scholarships worth $40,000 each are awarded annually to exceptional students, covering four years of tuition, housing, meals, a laptop, a monthly stipend, and transportation. Additional full tuition waivers and 50% fee discounts are also offered.
4. Executive Education and Professional Development: The university conducts professional development programmes, seminars, and conferences including the annual Education Conference, Tech Expo, and TEDx events, which serve as revenue-generating community engagement activities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Academic City University College is a private university in Accra, Ghana that sells undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes primarily in STEAM disciplines — engineering (electrical, mechanical, computer, nuclear, electric vehicle, unmanned aerial systems), business administration, informatics, and communication arts — delivered through experiential, project-based learning on its modern campus and through the ACity+ Digital Campus platform. It also offers select graduate programmes (MSc Data Science & Analytics, MSc Cyber Security, MPhil/MSc Robotics, STEM-MBA with NKU) and operates the Makelab and Technology and Entrepreneurship Centre to support student-led innovation.

Product overview

Academic City University College is a higher education institution offering a unified platform combining academic programmes with technology-enabled learning through ACity+ Digital Campus. The institution provides undergraduate programmes across Engineering (including pioneering programmes in Electric Vehicle, Nuclear, and Unmanned Aerial Systems Engineering), Business, Informatics, and Communication Arts; alongside graduate programmes including MSc Cyber Security, MSc Data Science & Analytics, MPhil/MSc Robotics Engineering, and STEM-MBA (in partnership with Northern Kentucky University). ACity+ serves as the core digital campus accessible on Android and iOS, supporting student-faculty collaboration. Additional offerings include annual Tech Expo events showcasing student innovations and competitive Presidential Scholarship programmes.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Undergraduate Programmes Four-year bachelor's degree programmes in Engineering (Electrical & Electronics, Mechanical, Computer), Business Administration, Informatics/IT, and Communication Arts, designed to address Africa's challenges through innovation-driven STEAM education. Includes pioneering BSc programmes in Nuclear Engineering, Electric Vehicle Engineering, Unmanned Aerial Systems Engineering, and BSc Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.
• Graduate Programmes Master's and postgraduate programmes including MSc Data Science and Analytics, MSc Cyber Security, MPhil Robotics Engineering, MSc Robotics Engineering, MPhil Material Sciences & Engineering, and MSc Management, designed for graduates and working professionals targeting high-demand fields.
• STEM-MBA STEM-focused MBA programme offered in partnership with Northern Kentucky University, USA, combining Academic City's STEAM curriculum with NKU's business and technology education expertise.
• MSc Cyber Security Two-year master's programme designed to equip graduates with advanced cybersecurity expertise, fostering critical analysis and practical skills to combat evolving digital threats.
• ACity+ Digital Campus Platform Web and mobile-enabled (Android and iOS) digital campus platform providing uninterrupted connection and engagement among the Academic City community on or off campus. Supports faculty, student, and staff login functionality with Google OAuth integration for student authentication; used to deliver and support the university's academic programmes.

Quantifiable outcome

• Ranked 2nd in Ghana and 15th in Sub-Saharan Africa (THE 2023)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

AI capability8 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered major, minor and core.

• Government of Angola (Minister of State)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2026Angolan Minister of State explored STEM partnership with Academic City, indicating potential international collaboration to advance STEM education in Angola.
• A Rocha GhanamajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026Partnership in the Galamsey Tech Solutions Expo, organised by Academic City's Robotics Club on the theme 'Innovating to Reverse the Effects of Galamsey and Restore the Earth.' A Rocha Ghana contributed expertise as Extractive Sector Safeguards Officer to the panel discussion.
• Asante Gold CorporationmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026Partnership in the Galamsey Tech Solutions Expo to showcase technological solutions to Ghana's illegal mining crisis. The company provided industry perspective on sustainable mining and extractive sector solutions.
• STEMAIDEminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026Partnership in the Galamsey Tech Solutions Expo as a co-organiser alongside Academic City's Robotics Club, A Rocha Ghana, and Asante Gold Corporation.
• Republic of Korea (Ambassador to Ghana)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026High-level diplomatic engagement exploring opportunities for collaboration in education, technology, research, and student exchange. Korean Ambassador H.E. Park Kyongsig visited the campus. Discussions focused on connecting Academic City's innovation-driven model with South Korea's advanced technology ecosystem.
• Japan (Ambassador to Ghana)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026High-level diplomatic engagement with Japanese Ambassador H.E. Hiroshi Yoshimoto exploring collaboration in education, technology, research, and student exchange. Discussions highlighted potential to connect Academic City with Japan's rich academic traditions and advanced technology ecosystem.
• Republic of Mozambique (Ambassador to Ghana)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026Mozambique's Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Fortunato Albrinho, visited the Academic City campus to explore academic collaboration, showcasing the university's facilities and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
• American University of Antigua College of Medicine (AUA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2026MoU signed to expand medical education opportunities for Ghanaian students. Graduates of Academic City meeting admission criteria receive guaranteed admission into AUA's Doctor of Medicine (MD) programme, with a waiver of application fee, expedited admissions, and a $5,000 Preferred Programme Grant (up to 15 grants annually). The partnership also includes faculty expertise sharing and research opportunities.
• Tetr College of BusinesscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Academic City became a member of Tetr's international network, hosting approximately 110 students from Tetr (representing 40+ nationalities) for a full semester. Tetr is known for its 'learn business by doing business' approach and its network includes Cornell University (USA), NUS Singapore, and IIT Delhi. Students participate in classroom sessions, experiential activities, and social innovation initiatives in Ghana.
• African Union — International Centre for Girls and Women's Education in Africa (AU/CIEFFA)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2025AU/CIEFFA delegation visited Academic City as part of the Africa Educates Her campaign, facilitated in partnership with Ghana Education Service (GES) and its Girls' Education Unit. Discussions focused on expanding STEM pathways for young women and addressing barriers to inclusion in higher education.
• Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025MoU signing between Academic City and GAEC to advance nuclear science education in Ghana. This partnership supports the launch of Ghana's first BSc Nuclear Engineering programme at Academic City.
• Northeastern University, USAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2025Partnership to launch a Bioinnovation Center at Academic City for designing and producing affordable biomedical devices for rural healthcare facilities in Ghana. The initiative includes student-led innovation and prototype development of oxygen delivery systems, diagnostic tools, and hospital equipment. Northeastern's College of Engineering conducted fieldwork and needs assessments in Accra clinics to co-develop fit-for-purpose technologies.
• Northern Kentucky University (NKU), USAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2025A strategic partnership to introduce a STEM-focused MBA programme, creating opportunities for students seeking advanced studies in high-demand fields. The collaboration combines Academic City's STEAM-focused curriculum with NKU's expertise in business and technology education.
• Prudential Life GhanamajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2024Partnership between Academic City and Prudential Life Ghana to tackle plastic pollution in Ghana, contributing to the circular economy initiatives under the Sustain City Project.
• Seeding LabscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2024Academic City received a grant from Seeding Labs' Instrumental Access programme to develop a world-class biomedical research laboratory. The university joins an international community of 137 institutions across 39 countries. The lab focuses on targeted cancer treatments, medical diagnostics, disease detection using nanotechnology, water purification, and sustainable agriculture.
• University of Dayton, USAmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2024Collaboration with University of Dayton students in developing the Sustain City 2.0 plastic recycling machine. The project converts plastic waste into durable raw materials, 3D printing filament, and injection molded products for STEAM education in rural Ghana.
• Millersville University, USAmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2024Collaboration with Millersville University students alongside University of Dayton in developing the Sustain City 2.0 plastic recycling machine. Joint international collaboration demonstrating cross-cultural innovation and practical education.
• United Way GhanamajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2024Partnership to launch the 'Green4Clean' project (June 2024–December 2025) aimed at imparting sustainable energy solutions and enhancing energy conservation awareness among schoolchildren in Ghana. Engineering students from Academic City mentor pupils at La Enobal Basic School and La Presbyterian Basic School. The project is aligned with SDGs 4, 5, 7, and 13, and is implemented under the Coalition For Climate Entrepreneurs Lab.
• Israeli Embassy / MakelabcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Partnership with the Israeli Embassy (dating back to 2021) led to the establishment of the Makelab, a maker space that supports student startups and innovative projects. The Makelab is part of the Coalition For Climate Entrepreneurs Lab, a U.S. Department collaboration. The partnership has promoted innovation and empowered young people through hands-on experimentation.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Lancaster University Ghana: International branch campus of the UK-based Lancaster University, offering UK degrees in Ghana. Directly comparable private higher-education competitor in the same Accra market with international brand backing.
• Ashesi University: Private liberal-arts and STEM-focused university in Ghana. Closest direct peer given similar STEAM orientation, private status, project-based learning model, and the fact that Academic City's VP Academic Affairs was recruited from Ashesi.
• African Leadership University (ALU): Pan-African private university with STEAM and leadership focus and campuses in Mauritius and Rwanda. Closest peer in terms of pan-African enrollment model, private status, and innovation-driven curriculum.
• Central University Ghana: Private Ghanaian university offering undergraduate and graduate programmes across business, IT, and applied sciences. Direct private-sector competitor for the same pool of Ghanaian students.
• Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU): Public university specialising in ICT and communication technology in Accra. Direct competitor in informatics, IT, and cybersecurity programmes.

Broad incumbents

• Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST): Ghana's premier public science and technology university. Larger, more established incumbent in engineering and IT education against which Academic City directly competes for STEAM students.
• University of Ghana: Premier public research university in Ghana. Major incumbent competitor that sets the brand benchmark Academic City is ranked against in THE Impact Rankings.

Regional players

• Webster University Ghana Campus: International branch campus of Webster University (USA) in Accra. Comparable international-affiliation private higher-education model targeting similar student demographic.

Emerging players

• African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS): Pan-African network of centres of excellence for postgraduate training in mathematical sciences. Comparable pan-African STEAM talent-development model and African skills-gap mission.

Others

• Ashesi University Foundation (Dakar): Related Ashesi-affiliated initiatives. Included to reflect the broader Ashesi ecosystem that Academic City competes against for STEAM-focussed private higher-education talent across West Africa.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/acitygh
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCjPYPiE6JC0pHMbfrqVJ-qQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/acitygh
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/acitygh
• Instagraminstagram.com/acitygh

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Academic City University College