Heifer International Uganda awards young agri-tech entrepreneurs

The competition celebrated the inventive minds of Uganda's agricultural sector, with Simon Peter Okoci securing the top position, followed by Willy Katumwa and Samantha Ainembabazi as the first and second runners-up, respectively.

Simon Peter Okoci, the brain behind the innovative smart kuku brooder, received a generous cash prize of UGX 35,000,000.

His invention utilizes an automated temperature and light control system in brooders, enhancing poultry farming practices. The first runner-up, Willy Katumwa, earned UGX 25,000,000 for his groundbreaking Fish Feeding Technology, which automates fish feeding based on their specific needs.

As winners of the AYuTe Africa Challenge in Uganda, the innovators received a combined total of UGX 70,000,000 in grants, pulse uganda

Samantha Ainembabazi, the second runner-up, was awarded UGX 10,000,000 for her Freza Nano Technology, which effectively preserves fruits by releasing a safe, organic formulation, extending their shelf life by 30 days.

These innovative minds, crowned as winners of the AYuTe Africa Challenge in Uganda, received a combined grant totaling UGX 70,000,000. In addition to the monetary rewards, they will benefit from ongoing mentorship by a team of expert advisors, assisting them in translating their funding into meaningful contributions to Uganda's food and agriculture sectors.

The AYuTe Africa Challenge is a Heifer International initiative in collaboration with Famunera, EzyAgric, and the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre & DataBank (NAGRC&DB), with additional support from Hive Colab and Youth Startup Academy Uganda (YSAU) for business incubation services, as well as RSM East Africa for audit services.

This challenge aims to foster an environment of innovation by supporting and nurturing the next generation of agricultural technology leaders in Uganda.

Launched last year, the competition provides a platform for agricultural innovators to showcase their technologies and connect them with relevant support services to prepare their products for the market.

William Matovu, Country Director for Heifer Uganda, emphasized the organization's commitment to creating opportunities for young innovators to reshape Africa's agriculture.

He stated, "Our aim is to build a robust community of innovators and alumni across the country to accelerate meaningful impact for smallholder farmers."

This year's competition attracted 189 participants and offered an incubator program to equip contestants with the knowledge and skills needed to scale up their businesses, ensure sustainability, and manage finances effectively.

Hon. Fred Bwino Kyakulaga, Minister of State for Agriculture, commended last year's winners for creating jobs and serving over 200 farmers, emphasizing the importance of the agricultural sector as a major employer for young people in Uganda. He urged this year's winners to follow suit.

Moses Watasa, the Commissioner for Communication and Dissemination, at the ICT and National Guidance Ministry acknowledged the importance of the AYuTe Africa Challenge’s focus of supporting and empowering young, inventive entrepreneurs who have introduced promising technology solutions to transform agriculture for smallholder farmers.

He emphasized that innovative technology is a vital driver for economic success and that these winning solutions have the potential to address a wide range of issues affecting productivity and income for smallholder farmers in Uganda and beyond.

Heifer International has been active in Uganda since 1982, supporting over 6 million families across the country through agriculture and environmentally sustainable economic development programs. Presently, Heifer Uganda operates in 19 districts spanning the Central, Eastern, West Nile, and Northern regions.