Powering Food Systems Innovation Challenge Demo Day: Youth-Driven Solutions to Climate Change and Unemployment


 Mandarina Khabetsa, Chief Communication and Advocacy Officer(Left), Karen Chelangat, Chief Innovation Officer, Jacob Ladder Africa(right).

The vibrant energy of young innovators lit up the stage as Jacob Ladder Africa hosted the grand Powering Food Systems Innovation Challenge Demo Day. The event brought together passionate young minds, seasoned mentors, and industry leaders under one roof, united by a common goal: empowering the next generation to create sustainable solutions to two of the most pressing challenges of our time—climate change and unemployment.

The challenge, which sought to inspire youth-led innovations within food systems, marked a turning point for the finalists who made it to the demo day. These budding entrepreneurs had spent months refining their ideas, all aimed at reshaping how food is produced, distributed, and consumed in a climate-resilient and job-creating manner.

From ideas that focused on turning organic waste into biofertilizer to energy-efficient food preservation technologies, the room was abuzz with creative, forward-thinking solutions. Each finalist brought a unique perspective, fueled by lived experiences and a relentless determination to make a difference.

Karen Chelangat, Chief Innovation Officer at Jacob Ladder Africa, spoke passionately about the event’s mission. “Our youth are ready and available to step up with groundbreaking solutions. They have the energy, creativity, and determination to tackle these challenges. All they need is support, and that’s what we are here to provide.”

Her sentiments were echoed by Mandarina Khabetsa, Chief Communication and Advocacy Officer, who emphasized the importance of amplifying youth voices. “The brilliance we’ve seen today proves that young innovators are not just the future; they are the now. They are stepping into the gap with ideas that address the climate crisis while offering meaningful employment opportunities.”

The event wasn’t just about pitching ideas, it was a celebration of possibility. Beyond receiving resources and tools to refine their projects, the finalists stood to gain something even more invaluable: mentorship from industry experts. These mentors, with decades of experience, are committed to guiding the youth through the complexities of entrepreneurship, turning ambitious dreams into tangible realities.

The demo day concluded with the announcement that the most promising projects would move on to an intensive mentorship program. This next phase will connect the finalists with experts across sectors, giving them the tools to scale their solutions and create lasting impact.

The Powering Food Systems Innovation Challenge Demo Day was more than just an event; it was a testament to the power of youth-driven innovation. As the curtains closed, one thing was clear: the future is bright, and it belongs to those who dare to reimagine it.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Religious Organization Bill No. 44 of 2024 Withdrawn After Widespread Opposition

Image
      27th November 2024, Nairob i In a significant political move, Hon. Danson Buya Mungatana, MGH, MP , has formally withdrawn the contentious Religious Organization Bill No. 44 of 2024. The bill, which sought to impose stricter regulatory measures on religious institutions, had sparked widespread outcry from various stakeholders, including faith-based organizations and civil society groups. Speaking at a press briefing , Hon. Mungatana cited the need for further consultation with key stakeholders as the primary reason for his decision to withdraw the bill. "I have heard the voices of the people and the concerns raised by our religious leaders and organizations. It is important to ensure any legislative measure supports harmony, not division," he stated.      The bill proposed measures such as mandatory registration of all religious leaders with the government, annual financial audits of churches, and restrictions on foreign missionaries. Pro...
Read more

Kenya Dental Association Condemns KMPDC Over Alleged Misregulation of Dentistry.

Image
The Kenya Dental Association (KDA ) has strongly condemned the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) over what it terms as misregulation and illegal handling of the dental profession. In a press release dated April 10, 2025, the KDA expressed deep outrage and disappointment following the publication of a new Scope of Practice for Dentistry by KMPDC, which the association claims is unlawful and dangerously undermines the quality of oral healthcare in the country. According to the KDA, the scope in question allows unqualified para-professionals to engage in dental procedures without appropriate curriculum-based training or the necessary competencies. The association accuses the KMPDC, under the leadership of its chairperson Prof. Stanley Khainga , of ignoring its mandate to ensure that Kenyans access the highest attainable standard of healthcare. KDA warns that this misstep poses a serious threat to patient safety and public health, potentially leading to ...
Read more

Kelvin Wuantai, Environment Officer at Kajiado County, Calls for Unity in Landscape Restoration at The Kenya Landscapes Actors' Platform 2024 Conference

Image
          November 6 2024, Nairobi, Kenya   Kelvin Wuantai, an Environment Officer with the Department of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change in Kajiado County, delivered a stirring call to action as the three-day, The Kenya Landscapes Actors' Platform 2024 conference on collaborative innovation and knowledge-sharing to restore and sustain Kenya’s landscapes came to a close. The conference, attended by a wide array of environmental actors, aimed to deepen partnerships and promote sustainable practices that can revive and protect Kenya’s rich landscapes for generations to come. Throughout the gathering, attendees explored themes of sustainability, restoration, and innovation, engaging in meaningful discussions on how to tackle Kenya’s pressing environmental challenges. " The exchange of ideas, knowledge, and experiences has highlighted the power of collaboration. Each sector’s unique perspective has allowed us to forge a unified c...
Read more