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Rabo IC 2025

Jan 6th-24th | 2025 Nairobi, Kenya

Powering Food Systems Innovation Challenge

Want to make real impact? Join the 2025 Innovation Challenge and help build a sustainable future for Africa. Get ready to apply your skills, create impact and join a global movement of positive change.
Register
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Jan 6th-24th | 2025 Nairobi, Kenya

About The Challenge

A dynamic hackathon-style competition designed to inspire and shine a spotlight on africa’s boldest young innovators and entrepreneurs. This year’s challenge addresses two of the most pressing issues on the continent: sustainable food systems and energy access. By tapping into the creativity and passion of Africa's next generation, we aim to drive transformative solutions for local communities with the potential to scale and create lasting impact across the continent.
  • Days
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  • Minutes
  • Seconds

Jan 6th-24th | 2025 Nairobi, Kenya

Are You Ready?

To showcase your innovative ideas, help create a better world, and be part of a movement that is shaping a sustainable future for generations to come.
Register Now

Key Challenge Areas

Participants will explore how renewable energy can transform food systems—from production to consumption. Solutions could include energy-efficient farming, renewable-powered processing, sustainable food transport, or waste reduction through smart energy systems. The challenge seeks innovative, scalable ideas that build sustainable and resilient food systems powered by renewables.
Drone Ag

Energy for sustainable agriculture

Design solutions that integrate renewable energy into agricultural practices, such as solar-powered irrigation, smart farming technologies, or energy-efficient machinery, to improve yields and reduce environmental impact.

Read Challenge Statement
food processing

Renewable-powered food processing

Develop renewable energy solutions for food processing, including drying, milling, refrigeration, and packaging, ensuring energy-efficient preservation and reduced post-harvest losses.

Read Challenge Statement
Cold Storage

Food distribution & cold chain innovations

Create solutions for renewable energy-powered transportation or refrigeration that ensure food products, especially perishable goods, reach markets while maintaining quality and minimizing spoilage. Distribution systems should utilize minimal energy to maximize food availability and accessibility, especially in underserved areas.

Read Challenge Statement
bioproducts

Bioproducts from agricultural waste

Harness the power of agricultural waste. Convert it into valuable bioproducts like biofuels, bioplastics, and biomaterials. Reduce waste, increase energy access, and support a sustainable future.

Read Challenge Statement
How to Participate Demo & Graduation days

How to Participate

The future is yours to shape, Start your journey to successfully participate in the Powering Food Systems Innovation Challenge 

Follow these 3 simple steps:

  • Complete Registration - Start your journey by registering for the Challenge.
  • Preliminary Reading - After registration you will get access to a preliminary mini course. 
  • Submit Application - Submit an application form upon completing the preliminary reading.
Get Started

Requirements

To participate in the Powering Food Systems Innovation Challenge, you will be expected to meet the following requirements

Location

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Attend the final Demo Day in person (Nairobi)

Time

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Commitment to participate in a 9 month incubation program

Internet

internet-connection
Access reliable internet to attend virtual sessions

requirements to participate

To successfully participate you will require the following

  1. Event Time Event Time

    Event Title

    James T. Kirk
    VP of Statistical Analysis + Data Reconfiguration

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    Read More About This Session

  2. Event Time Event Time

    Event Title

    James T. Kirk
    VP of Statistical Analysis + Data Reconfiguration

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Donec odio. Quisque volutpat mattis eros. Nullam malesuada erat ut turpis. Lorem ispum dolor sit amet.

    Read More About This Session

  3. Event Time Event Time

    Event Title

    James T. Kirk
    VP of Statistical Analysis + Data Reconfiguration

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Donec odio. Quisque volutpat mattis eros. Nullam malesuada erat ut turpis. Lorem ispum dolor sit amet.

    Read More About This Session

  4. Event Time Event Time

    Event Title

    James T. Kirk
    VP of Statistical Analysis + Data Reconfiguration

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Donec odio. Quisque volutpat mattis eros. Nullam malesuada erat ut turpis. Lorem ispum dolor sit amet.

    Read More About This Session
View the Full Agenda

challenge prizes

Winners of the innovation challenge will be awarded the following prizes (in Kshs) plus a full sponsorship to participate in the 9 (nine) month greenlabs incubation program.
trophy-cup

Overall Winner

2nd-place

1st Runner Up

3rd-place (3)

2nd Runner Up

trophy-star

Crowd favorite

"I believe progress outweighs perfection. Consistent growth and learning over flawlessness. That keeps me moving forward and agile!"
Alice Mwaura 4

Alice Mwaura
Founder & CEO, SolarGen

"Find your purpose, reach your goal"
Samuel Opiyo

Samuel Opiyo
Co-founder, Green Move

"Be the change you want to see in the world"
Teresa 2

Teresa Atieno
Founder & CEO, Hyasafi

Get Registered

Jan 6th-24th | 2025 Nairobi, Kenya

Take the first step in an amazing journey today

Complete this quick form to register your interest in the 2025 Powering Food Systems Innovation Challenge. Once you submit, get ready to receive an email with all the details on how to take the next step towards becoming a food system innovator
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YOU MAY NEED TO KNOW

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a max number of persons who can be admitted to the challenge?

Yes, a maximum of 3 members per team.

Will funding be provided to facilitate developing project models?

No, funding is not provided at this stage except for the challenge rewards reserved for the winners. 

Can a person or team submit more than 1 idea?

Yes, however you will be required to submit a separate application form for each idea.

Why incubation for 9 months? That's so long.

The process of launching a successful green startup often involves rigorous and continuous learning plus iteration of the market, problem, solution, product among others.

Are the rewards distributed after the 9 months or during the challenge?

The rewards will be distributed during the 9 month incubation to act as seed capital to facilitate your startup creation and successful launch. More details will be provided after the innovation challenge.