Heifer International has launched the third edition of the AYuTe Africa Challenge Uganda that will see Ugandan innovators walk away with millions of shillings to boast their Startups and businesses.
The application process for the third edition was opened on Friday at the edition’s launch. The process will run until July 25, 2024. Applicants must be Uganda-based innovators between the ages of 18 and 35 years, with start-up operations working with smallholder farmers, among other requirements
The edition was launched by Mr Mondo Kyateka, commissioner youth and children in the ministry of Gender, Labor and social development, who observed that the innovation competition is timely, citing the growing youth population, unemployment in the country and low technology penetration and utilization in the country.
“I commend Heifer International and our partners for spearheading this initiative. Your efforts are pivotal in equipping our youth with the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to succeed. The focus on agriculture and digital innovation is particularly commendable, as it aligns with our national development goals and the broader agenda of food security and economic growth enshrined in the National Development Plan III,” he said.
Adding, “The Government of Uganda cannot thank Heifer International enough for its tireless support towards Uganda’s agriculture industry since this initiative not only celebrates entrepreneurship but also promotes sustainable agricultural practices through ICT that benefit communities and empower future leaders”.
Mr. William Matovu, the Heifer Uganda Country Director observed the staggering youth un-employment rate in the country, noting that youth have the energy and innovative acumen to contribute to the country’s development.
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“This competition has showcased the innovative spirit of Uganda’s youth, highlighting their role in driving agricultural transformation. The AYuTe Africa Challenge will continue to demonstrate the potential of technology as an enabler for efficient agricultural value chain functioning; while fostering sustainable solutions for smallholder farmers,” he said.
Beneficiaries speak out
Samantha Ainembabazi, the second runner-up in 2023 said she utilized the funds to procure more inputs for her Freza Nanotech innovation which extends fruit shelf life to 30 days.
“I am thrilled to see the return of the AYuTe Africa Challenge Season 3. This competition has provided me with a valuable opportunity to establish myself in a male-dominated industry. With my prize, I was able to scale my business by purchasing essential raw materials and hiring additional staff,” she said.
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John Charles Nuwagaba, 34-year-old first runner-up in the first edition, says apart from the grant, AYuTe has taught him how to pitch and work in a team.
“I participated in the AYuTe Africa Challenge 2022 – Season 1; where I finished as the first runners-up. This came with a cash prize of UGX 30 million. Apart from the cash grant, the AYuTe program has taught me how to pitch and how to work in a team,” he says.
Eligibility Criteria
• The Competition is open to Ugandans aged 18 – 35 years who are innovators and owners of start-ups OR have been operating a business for the past three years
• They must have the potential to translate innovations into meaningful impact for small holder farmers across the country
• They must show that there is demand among smallholder farmers for what is being provided and that it’s affordable
• The innovation must be a truly innovative product or service with potential for growth, viable market and not merely duplicating something that exists in many other markets
How to participate
• Record a video introducing yourself and demonstrating how the proposed innovation works; what problem it seeks to solve; how it can potentially translate into meaningful impact for smallholder farmers across the country and how much money you would need to bring it to life.
• The video submitted must not be longer than 2 minutes. It must have clear audio and must be shared in MP4 Format.
• Participants must submit their videos to the competition portal.
This year’s edition promises more exciting opportunities; including a special category reserved for female innovators. This is part of the efforts to promote women participation in the initiative. In addition, contestants will also undergo rigorous incubation through partnerships with various innovation hubs to continue naturing their businesses
Top finalists will undergo a comprehensive incubation period and pitch events, culminating in a Grand Finale Gala in September 2024, where winners will share a total of UGX 112 million in awards and other development support.
To date, Heifer International Uganda’s country program has successfully hosted two editions of the AYuTe Challenge, drawing participation from 443 talented youth from diverse backgrounds across the country.
In 2022, the AYuTe Challenge awarded 4 young innovators, followed by 3 awardees in 2023, including a female entrepreneur. In total, the seven (7) youth have won UGX 120,000,000 (One hundred and twenty million), which has mainly gone towards scaling up of their inventions