IGNITE SEED Innovation Programme

Apply before: October 9, 2023

The IGNITE SEED Innovation Programme is now open for applications. It is a collaborative effort between the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), IGNITE Innovation Hub, Circle Innovation, DTU Skylab Foodlab, Care Denmark, and the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is the second edition of the program, eagerly awaited, and it’s aimed at supporting entrepreneurial teams in East Africa who have ideas rooted in research and focused on improving food systems. The program provides market validation and training support to help these ideas become successful in the market.

Over a period of ten months, this innovation program will specifically target individuals and teams who have research-based ideas within the food systems sector. These ideas should have the potential to bring about significant positive changes and improvements in terms of food security in East Africa.

How to Receive EU Funding for Your Innovation

Eligibility

The IGNITE SEED Innovation program is currently accepting applications from innovators in East Africa who meet the following criteria:

They have a research-supported idea or invention related to the food systems sector.
Their team includes at least two members located in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, or Somalia who are actively working on the idea.
They have a strong interest in turning their idea into a viable venture.
They are passionate about making significant changes in food systems to help achieve zero hunger.
They can commit to participating in all program activities for the entire duration of the innovation program, which includes both in-person and online sessions.
Female entrepreneurs and innovators without an academic background are particularly encouraged to apply.
The program is primarily targeting individuals and teams in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Somalia. IGNITE SEED is specifically interested in identifying high-potential, research-based ideas or interventions that aim to disrupt various aspects of the food system.

While applications from all types of solutions are welcome, preference will be given to ideas that focus on the following areas, with a particular emphasis on enhancing food security and bolstering climate resilience for local communities:

Enhancing local food production, quality, or nutritional value.
Reducing or eliminating post-harvest losses or food waste.
Improving access to water for productive purposes or contributing to water conservation efforts.

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Benefits

Here are the benefits that participants can expect to receive:

Innovation Program: Teams that are chosen will be part of the IGNITE SEED Innovation program for a duration of ten months, gaining access to our unique Human-Centered Design (HCD) Lab.
Innovation Lab: Following the HCD Lab phase, participants will present their validated prototypes to a panel of experts, offering them the opportunity to be selected for our intensive business training.
Business Training: Teams that meet the criteria will undergo a rigorous four-month entrepreneurship and business training program.
Networking: Qualified teams will have the chance to connect with the extensive networks of the WFP and its implementing partners, which can provide valuable support in advancing their ideas to the next level.