WFP IGNITE SEED Innovation Programme

 

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) IGNITE Innovation Hub for Eastern Africa, CARE Denmark, DTU Skylab FoodLab and Circle Innovation, powered by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs are leading the IGNITE SEED Innovation Programme in East Africa to support entrepreneurial teams with research-backed ideas focused on innovating food systems with market validation and training support to launch these ideas in the market. 

What the Programme Offers:

Selected teams will have access to the following benefits that will support them to validate their research-backed innovations that strengthen food systems.

  1. Innovation Programme: Selected teams will participate in the IGNITE SEED Innovation programme for ten months and get access to our unique HCD Lab.

  2. Innovation Lab: At the end of the HCD Lab, teams will pitch their validated prototype to a panel of experts after which they get access to an intensive business training

  3. Business training: Participating teams will go through an intensive 4 months entrepreneurship and business training

  4. Mentorship: Participating teams will be linked with a mentor and industry expert to guide them through setting up formal systems for their ventures.

  5. Networking: Participating teams will get exposure to the rich WFP and implementing partner networks that can help their ideas to the next level.

 

What were we looking for:

Ideas that addressed food security and had the potential of improving 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.

 

Eligibility Criteria

The IGNITE SEED Innovation programme was open for applications for research based food-systems innovators in East Africa that met the following criteria:

  • The team had a research-backed idea or invention in the food systems sector

  • The team had at least two team members based in either Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia or Somalia working on the idea

  • The team had interest in transforming their idea into a venture

  • The team was passionate about disrupting food systems to achieve zero hunger

  • Be available for programme activities for the duration of the innovation programme, including in-person and online sessions

Female entrepreneurs and non-academic innovators were especially encouraged to apply. 

Evaluation Criteria

The evaluation process for the IGNITE SEED Innovation programme was based on the following criteria:

  • Research backed: The problem or idea is supported by documented research

  • Food systems: The idea had to be solving a challenge within the food systems ecosystem

  • Level of innovation: The solution solves a food challenge in an innovative way

  • Impact: the solution has a strong impact on strengthening food systems

  • Team: The team has the right experience and demonstrates commitment to their idea. The team includes a balance of gender. 

Applications were reviewed by WFP Regional Bureau, our implementing partners, and external experts. While we were interested in applicants working to address food security and potentially improve climate resilience for local communities, preference was given to those who had research supporting their ideas.

Programme Timeline

Selected Applicants

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for more information or have a question about the WFP IGNITE SEED Innovation challenge? Please do not hesitate to contact us directly at communications@circleinnovation.co