Last week, Samuel Peter Okoci, a student at Mbarara University of Science & Technology and the proprietor of Smart Kuku Brooder innovation, was crowned the overall winner of the 2023 AYuTe Africa Challenge in Uganda, an initiative by Heifer International. The event took place at Protea Hotel-Marriott in Kampala.
For his groundbreaking innovation, a device that utilizes automated temperature and light regulation systems in brooders, Okoci was awarded a cash prize of Shs. 35,000,000. His vision is to forge a connection between technology and poultry farming.
Willy Katumwa, an innovator of fish-feeding technology that automates feeding needs, emerged as the first runner-up and won Shs.25,000,000, while Samantha Ainembabazi, the proprietor of Freza Nano, a technology that preserves fruits by extending their shelf life for up to 30 days, emerged as the second runner-up, winning Shs. 10,000,000.
Among other notable innovations that made it to the grand finale were; Africa Agricultural Network, Manure Dewatering, Seed planter, IKnow Farm, Air to Water, Water Wheel Pump, and Solar Cold House.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Fed Kyakulaga Bwino, the Uganda State Minister for Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, urged the youth to continue innovating and praised AYuTe Africa Challenge for fostering youth participation in agriculture.
“We innovate to solve problems. Therefore, it gives me much pleasure to witness young people join efforts to solve the challenges in the agricultural sector. The AYuTe Challenge stimulates innovations of solutions that we face today.” He said.
Mr. Moses Watasa, Commissioner for Communication and Dissemination at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, highlighted the vital role of ICT in driving wealth creation, especially within the commercial agriculture sector.
The AYuTe Africa Challenge is an annual contest sponsored by Heifer International to accelerate digital agriculture entrepreneurship for the benefit of smallholder farmers. The initiative awards cash grants and mentorship programs aimed at facilitating the translation of dynamic business expansion strategies that have a positive influence on smallholder farmers.
Our belief is that if we are going to transform the agricultural space, encouraging young people and introducing technology is important to ensure that we can cause the leap we desire.
William Matovu, Country Director, Heifer International.
Through a regional competition, the program allocates up to US$1.5 million each year, to countries including Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Malawi, and Uganda. The initiative identifies, nurtures, and supports innovative, relevant, and technology-driven agric-centric enterprises to grow, scale, and thrive.
Among the other key partners in this endeavor include Hive Colab, Youth Startup Academy Uganda (YSAU) for their invaluable business incubation services, RSM East Africa for their crucial audit services that ensure competition quality and transparency, and Famunera, EzyAgric, and the National Animal Genetic Resources Center & DataBank (NAGRC & DB).
In its third season this year, the competition attracted more than 189 entries countrywide, with only ten innovations making it to the grand finale. All 189 participants underwent the Incubator program, where they gained valuable insights on how to scale their startups and ensure long-term sustainability.
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