IGNITE Food Systems Challenge (US $40,000 in funding) | UGANDA

Deadline: IGNITE Food Systems Challenge (US $40,000 in funding) | UGANDA

Apply to receive up to US $40,000 in equity-free funding, mentorship and access to the world’s largest humanitarian organization.

The challenge supports the scaling of innovative Startups, MSMEs, and cooperatives with commercially viable solutions to address gaps in food production, climate change, and nutrition, taking into account the specific needs and circumstances of the vulnerable communities.

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The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and Outbox, with the support of USAID Bureau of Humanitarian Affairs (BHA) and the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (DANIDA), are looking for market-based solutions in Uganda that address food insecurity faced by the most vulnerable communities in Uganda.

As part of this intervention, the IGNITE Food Systems Challenge 2.0 is being organized to identify and support innovative solutions that enhance climate resilience and food security for the target participants.

What we are looking for

We invite applications from micro and small-enterprises, cooperatives in Uganda developing and delivering commercially viable solutions addressing gaps in food and livestock production, processing and distribution and nutrition for the most vulnerable communities, which are being exacerbated by climate change.

While all solution providers are invited to apply, priority will be given to solutions that:

• Enhance climate resilience by promoting climate-smart practices, including but not limited to the use of clean energy for food production, processing, storage, consumption and promote efficient water access and utilization for agri-food production and processing.
• Improve food production, processing and distribution through community-driven and sustainable approaches that target the needs of the most vulnerable populations.
• Address nutritional challenges by prioritizing prevention of deficiencies, focusing on transformative behavioural change, and locally-produced specialized nutritious foods.
• Leverage locally-sourced materials, manufacturing/processing and demonstrate significant engagement at the district level.

Support farmers, households and communities in the following districts

Western Region

• Isingiro
• Kikube
• Kyegegwa
• Kiryandongo
• Kamwenge

Northern Region

• Adjumani – Tengero
• Obonji – Kotido
• Kaabong – Abim
• Karenga – Napak
• Nakapiripiriti – Nabilatuku
• Yumbe – Lamwo
• Moroto – Amudat

West Nile Sub-Region

• Koboko (West Nile)

Teso Sub-Region

• Katakwi

How it Works

1. Apply for the program: Help us get to know your vision, your team, and tell us why your venture should be chosen
2. Take the stage at an exclusive pitch event: If shortlisted, you’ll have the chance to pitch your project to an audience of potential partners, investors, and officials at an exclusive, invite-only pitch event. Tell your story and compete for non-dilutive cash awards. We provide dedicated coaching and mentorship to help you develop and refine your winning pitch.
3. Acceleration: Winning teams from the pitch event will receive up to US $40,000* in funding, world-class mentors, bespoke programming, and exposure to WFP’s vast field operations over a 6-month period. This will help you deploy or scale your solution.

Eligibility Criteria

The Ignite Food Systems challenge II invites applications from Agri-SMEs and innovative entrepreneurs who meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Registered and operating in Uganda for at least 2 years
• Your entity must have proof of concept and be post-revenue
• At least 50% of your founding/ senior management team must be from East Africa
• Solutions that align with the priority areas and locations specified
• Organisations that are women-led and/or have taken demonstrated action towards promoting women in their supply chain are highly encouraged to apply.

Selection Criteria

The selection of ventures for the Ignite challenge II will be based on the following criteria:

• Relevance to the identified problem statements and alignment with the thematic areas.
• Potential for impact on strengthening and scale in addressing climate challenges and improving food security and nutrition for vulnerable communities.
• Sustainability and long-term viability of the proposed solution.
• Innovation, creativity, and feasibility of implementation within the given timeframe and available resources.
• Inclusivity, with a focus on engaging youth, women and refugees
• Ability to demonstrate measurable outcomes and success stories to drive behavior change within communities.

For More Information about INGNITE Food Systems Challenge, GO HERE

To apply for Ignite Food Systems Challenge, Click HERE