Jacob's Ladder Africa: Jacob's Ladder Africa (JLA), a continental non-governmental organization driving green solutions and climate innovation, has hosted its highly anticipated Greenlabs Demo Day, with the aim of providing cutting-edge climate solutions from emerging entrepreneurs and addressing environmental challenges across East Africa.
According to Kenya News Agency, JLA is renowned for its youth-centric approach to sustainability, with a mission to catalyze 30 million green jobs across Africa by 2033. Through socio-economic programs, advocacy, and entrepreneurial incubation, the organization empowers youth to become active contributors to the continent's green economy.
The Demo Day marked the conclusion of the Powering Food Systems Innovation Challenge, a hackathon-style competition exploring how renewable energy can revolutionize food systems. Participants tackled challenges in food production, processing, transportation, and waste management, integrating sustainable energy solutions such as smart energy systems.
During a press briefing, JLA's Chief Innovation Officer, Karen Chelangat, emphasized the organization's commitment to empowering youth through green entrepreneurship. Chelangat noted that youth unemployment is an issue JLA seeks to address by creating opportunities for and by the youth through the incubation program.
Chelangat also highlighted that many start-ups fail within their first two years due to weak foundations and a lack of essential skills and resources. JLA aims to curb start-up mortality by addressing these exact challenges.
Finalist teams from various counties across Kenya, including Baringo, Busia, Homa Bay, Kajiado, Kiambu, and Nairobi, presented their innovative and scalable ideas aimed at building sustainable and resilient food systems powered by renewable energy. The startups benefited from mentorship and capacity-building sessions, equipping them with skills and insights needed to navigate the rigorous selection process and deliver compelling pitches.
Showcased projects included Solar Compost IT, which transforms organic waste into compost and bio-fertilizers; NuRa, a clean renewable innovation using concentrated solar power to generate steam for large-scale kitchens; Smart Hive Optimization, a solar-powered ventilated container monitoring hive conditions; and TEAtrans, a solar-powered container for transporting fresh tea leaves.
An expert judging panel, including representatives from the African Union, Yara International, and Great Carbon Valley, evaluated the projects based on innovation, scalability, and impact on women and youths. An award ceremony celebrated the efforts of the participants.
Winners were announced during the ceremony, with Urbanus Lubano of Empire Innovations securing the grand prize of Ksh. 200,000 for his renewable energy-powered agricultural machinery. The second prize went to Solar Nest, a poultry farming solution leveraging advanced solar tracking technology, while third place was awarded to Bettinah Maruti for her iLoop KE and Logistics solution addressing food spoilage in low-income areas.
All finalists earned full sponsorship to join JLA's nine-month Greenlabs Incubation Program, which provides training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help entrepreneurs transform their ideas into viable startups. Through programs like Greenlabs, Jacob's Ladder Africa is fostering innovation and sustainable development, creating opportunities for young people to tackle the complex environmental and socio-economic challenges across the continent.