The IGNITE SEED Innovation program, jointly initiated by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) IGNITE Innovation Hub, Circle Innovation, and DTU Skylab Foodlab, with the support of Care Denmark and the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has unveiled its eagerly awaited second edition in East Africa. This program is designed to assist entrepreneurial teams with research-backed concepts that aim to revolutionize food systems by providing market validation and training to help bring these ideas to fruition.

Over a ten-month period, this innovation program will specifically cater to inventors and innovators with research-based ideas within the food systems sector, emphasizing their potential to disrupt and positively impact food security in East Africa.

We welcome applications from individuals and researchers who possess research-supported innovations centered around East African food systems. This includes those from academia or with practical experience, regardless of whether they have officially registered their businesses. We particularly encourage submissions from young innovators, women-led teams, and individuals from underserved populations within East Africa.

The program offers several benefits, including participation in the IGNITE SEED Innovation program with access to the Human-Centered Design (HCD) Lab, a chance to pitch validated prototypes to experts, intensive entrepreneurship and business training, and valuable networking opportunities within the WFP and its partner networks.

To be eligible for the IGNITE SEED Innovation program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. Possess a research-backed idea or invention in the food systems sector.
2. Have at least two team members based in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, or Somalia working on the idea.
3. Exhibit an interest in transforming the idea into a viable venture.
4. Show a commitment to disrupting food systems to combat hunger.
5. Be available for program activities throughout its duration, including both in-person and online sessions.
6. Encouragement for female entrepreneurs and non-academic innovators to apply.
7. Target countries for this initiative include Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Somalia.

scroll down for more details and click on the official link to apply now