Junior Achievement Kenya, in collaboration with NCBA Bank Kenya, proudly hosted the University Innovation Challenge (UIC), a competition that brought together young innovators, distinguished panelists, and entrepreneurial talents from across Kenya.
The winning team, Rethread Africa, showcased their groundbreaking technology that aims to address environmental challenges by converting agricultural waste into biodegradable textile fabric.
The University Innovation Challenge is a competition that allows startups to showcase their entrepreneurial thinking and engage in a contest with other startups. Junior Achievement Kenya in partnership with NCBA Bank gives these startups a chance to compete in the global arena.
Junior Achievement Kenya in Partnership with NCBA Bank Launches University Innovation Challenge
11 startups had the opportunity to pitch their innovative ideas and solutions to a diverse audience. The startup pitching session was not only an opportunity for the entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas but also a platform for networking and collaboration.
University Innovation Challenge (UIC), presented by Junior Achievement Kenya in partnership with NCBA Bank Kenya, is a testament to the commitment of both organizations to nurture innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship among Kenyan youth. The competition aimed to empower the next generation of leaders by encouraging creative thinking and problem-solving.Â
The Competition will take place this week on the 13th – 14th of March 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa. It will include other international thought leaders and practitioners globally who have become a part of GEN’s global movement. The GEC+ Africa 2024 format is a 2-day event that will consist of keynote addresses, main plenary, panel discussions, workshops, and networking events.
About Rethread Africa
Rethread Africa is a Sustainable Materials Startup on a mission to build a waste-free future for the fashion industry. The team received recognition for their innovation and dedication to sustainability.
The fabric is designed in partnership with nature to break down and re-enrich the soil at the end of its life. Their big hairy ambitious goal is to replace 15% of polyester over the next decade.
By turning agro-waste into bio-based synthetics, we have developed an innovative material that uses far fewer resources while upholding the same qualities as petroleum-based synthetics. The best part? The material sourced from smallholder farmers can naturally decompose at their end of life.
Rethread Africa will present Kenya in the 2024 GEC+ Africa Competition.
The Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC+ Africa), initiated by the Global Entrepreneurship Network in 2017, is a gathering of entrepreneurs and leaders from more than 50 African nations committed to advancing entrepreneurial activity throughout their own countries in Africa.