The ten-month innovation program will focus on inventors and innovators with research-backed ideas in the food systems sector with a high potential for disruption and impact towards food security in East Africa.
UNWFP invites applications from innovators and researchers who have research-backed innovations addressing food systems in East Africa.
The call for applications is open for teams with food system ideas grounded in research, whether from academia or practical experience, even if they haven’t formally registered their businesses yet.
They especially encourage applications from youth, women-led teams, and innovators from underserved populations based in East Africa.
Eligibility Criteria
The IGNITE SEED Innovation program is open for applications for research-based food-systems innovators in East Africa that meet the following criteria:
Research-backed ideas or inventions in the food systems sector.
At least two team members based in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, or Somalia working on the idea.
Interest in transforming the idea into a venture.
Passion about disrupting food systems to achieve zero hunger.
Be available for program activities for the duration of the innovation program, including in-person and online sessions.
Female entrepreneurs and non-academicinnovators are specifically encouraged to apply
Target countries: Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Somalia.
Program Benefits
The benefits will include:
Innovation Program: Selected teams will participate in the IGNITE SEED Innovation program for ten months and get access to our unique Human-Centered Design (HCD) Lab.
Innovation Lab: At the end of the HCD Lab, you will pitch your validated prototype to a panel of experts and get the opportunity to be selected for our intensive business training.
Business training: Qualifying teams will go through an intensive 4 months of entrepreneurship and business training.
Networking: Qualifying teams will get exposure to the rich WFP and implement partner networks that can help their ideas to the next level.
Evaluation Criteria
The IGNITE SEED Innovation program is looking for High-potential, research-backed ideas or interventions with a focus on disrupting the following areas in the food system.
While all solutions are invited to apply, priority will be given to ideas that address food security and improve climate resilience for local communities so they can:
Improve local food production, quality, or nutrition.
Reduce or eliminate post-harvest loss or food waste.
Increase access to water for productive use or contribute to water-saving
It will evaluate entrepreneurs who submit their innovations based on the following criteria:
Founded in academic, industry-led, or experimental research
Impact on Strengthening Regional Food Systems
Feasibility and viability of implementing the idea
Potential to achieve initial traction within the innovation program
