Join the WFP Ignite Seed Innovation Programme 2023 in East Africa

September 8, 2023 Darlington Blog, Fellowship Programmes, World News 0

The IGNITE SEED Innovation Programme is open to research-based food systems innovators in East Africa
The IGNITE SEED Innovation Programme is open to research-based food systems innovators in East Africa More than 45,000 people received life-saving food or nutrition support in northeastern Nigeria in the last week through a new tactic by the World Food Programme (WFP) to reach those in the most remote, hard-to-access places hit by Boko Haram violence. With support from UNICEF, WFP designed a Rapid Response Mechanism to supply food, nutrition and health support to people most in need in Borno and Yobe states by flying teams of specialists to remote areas where they stay up to six days. The assistance is then brought in by road. The tactic targets areas where no humanitarian assistance has so far been provided or where access is severely limited or irregular. “These missions help avert famine and aim to reach tens of thousands of hungry people stranded in remote areas or in areas difficult to access due to insecurity. They have gone without assistance – food or nutrition support -- for months,” said Sory Ouane, WFP Nigeria Country Director. In November, around half a million people received WFP food or cash in the northeast and nutritious supplements were given to nearly 100,000 children to fight malnutrition. With 12 missions per month, WFP plans to provide food and nutrition support to nearly 300,000 people through the Rapid Response Mechanism – including children under five and pregnant and nursing women. Other organizations can join to complement assistance to the most remote communities. UNICEF aims to treat children suffering from severe acute malnutrition; immunize children against common killer diseases; and work to improve water, sanitation, health and education. Some 4.6 million people are going hungry in northeastern Nigeria, of whom nearly two million need urgent humanitarian assistance. In some areas, more than 50 percent of children under the age of five suffer from moderate acute malnutrition or severe acute malnutrition. “Hunger and malnutrition rates have improved considerably in areas that became ac

Join the WFP Ignite Seed Innovation Programme 2023 in East Africa

Calling all innovators and researchers with groundbreaking food system solutions tailored for East Africa!

Whether your ideas stem from academic research or practical experience, even if your business is not formally registered yet, we welcome your application.

We are particularly enthusiastic about receiving applications from youth, women-led teams, and innovators hailing from underserved communities within East Africa.

The Rewards Await

The benefits of the IGNITE SEED Innovation Programme are manifold:

Innovation Program: Chosen teams will embark on a transformative ten-month journey, gaining access to our unique Human-Centered Design (HCD) Lab.

Innovation Lab: After completing the HCD Lab, you will have the opportunity to pitch your validated prototype to a panel of experts, potentially earning a spot in our intensive business training program.

Business Training: Qualified teams will undergo a rigorous four-month entrepreneurship and business training regimen.

Networking: Successful teams will be introduced to the vast networks of WFP and its implementing partners, providing a platform to elevate their ideas to new heights.

Join the WFP Ignite Seed Innovation Programme 2023 in East Africa
Join the WFP Ignite Seed Innovation Programme 2023 in East Africa

Are You Eligible?

The IGNITE SEED Innovation Programme is open to research-based food systems innovators in East Africa who meet the following criteria:

  • Possess a research-backed idea or invention within the food systems sector.
  • Have at least two team members working on the concept based in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, or Somalia.
  • Demonstrate a solid commitment to transforming the idea into a thriving venture.
  • Share a passion for reshaping food systems to eradicate hunger.
  • Be available for all program activities throughout the innovation program, including both in-person and online sessions.
  • Encouragement for female entrepreneurs and non-academic innovators to apply is especially emphasised.

What Are We Looking For?

The IGNITE SEED Innovation Programme seeks high-potential, research-backed concepts or interventions focusing on disrupting critical aspects of the food system.

While all innovative solutions are welcome, priority will be given to ideas that address food security and enhance climate resilience within local communities.

We are interested in ideas that:

  • Improve local food production, quality, or nutrition.
  • Reduce or eliminate post-harvest losses or food waste.
  • Increase access to water for productive use or contribute to water conservation efforts.

How Will We Evaluate Your Application?

Applications will be assessed based on the following criteria:

  • Foundation in academic, industry-led, or experimental research.
  • Impact on strengthening regional food systems.
  • Feasibility and viability of implementing the idea.
  • Potential to gain initial traction within the innovation program.
  • Clarity of vision and concept.
  • Strength of the team, their experience, and their commitment.

The application deadline for the WFP Ignite Seed Innovation Programme is October 9, 2023. Seize this opportunity to be part of an innovation-driven transformation in East Africa. Apply now and contribute to a future of food security and sustainability.

Apply Here for the WFP Ignite Seed Innovation Programme