On November 22nd, 2024, the Innovate for Food Security Program reached an exciting milestone with the National Demo Day. This inspiring event celebrated the creativity and determination of young innovators who are addressing critical challenges in agriculture and food security, particularly in the context of climate change.
The Innovate for Food Security Program has been a dynamic platform for university students and recent graduates from various institutions. Over several months, participants engaged in a structured journey that included ideathons, bootcamps, mentorship sessions, and pitch events.
This rigorous process was designed to help them refine their innovative ideas and bring them closer to reality. Out of numerous participants, 12 exceptional teams advanced to the final bootcamp, where they showcased their groundbreaking solutions to an audience of peers, mentors, and stakeholders.
Why This Program Matters
The program aims to address two vital objectives:
- Tackling Climate Change and Food Security
By fostering the development of entrepreneurial ventures that mitigate the effects of climate change, the program seeks to strengthen food security and resilience in agriculture. - Empowering Youth in Agriculture
It encourages young people to explore income-generating opportunities within the agricultural value chain, providing them with tools, mentorship, and funding to succeed.
Through these goals, the Innovate for Food Security Program has become a catalyst for impactful, sustainable change in agriculture.
Celebrating the Achievements
The National Demo Day highlighted the impressive work of all participants, but six ventures stood out for their ingenuity, practicality, and sustainability. Among these, four received grants to scale their projects:
- Revive Fruit Juice: This venture provides nutritious, ready-to-drink options as healthier alternatives to sugary beverages, particularly for hospital patients.
- Zoe Fresh Bites: By creating organic, diabetic-friendly snacks with locally sourced ingredients, this venture meets the growing demand for health-conscious, sustainable products.
- Maffy Juice Products: Addressing fruit waste, low local coffee consumption, and limited coffee-flavoured beverages, this initiative transforms challenges into opportunities through innovative solutions.
- Perisseia Company Limited: Focused on eco-friendly skincare, this company offers organic cosmetics made from cow ghee, catering to the rising demand for natural beauty products.
The Innovate for Food Security Program doesn’t stop at the Demo Day. The journey continues with ongoing mentorship and support for all participants, ensuring that their ideas grow into impactful, sustainable ventures.
This event reaffirmed the incredible potential of youth-driven innovation in addressing global challenges. By empowering young entrepreneurs with the resources and guidance they need, the program is shaping a future where food security and resilience are achievable goals.
