AfriCircular Innovators Programme
Applications closed on May 31st, 2024.
What does the program offer ?
The program provides extensive support tailored to startups in the circular economy sector
Circular Economy and Business Support Training
Customized training sessions, masterclasses, and workshops covering a diverse range of topics, precisely tailored to meet the needs of each venture.
Tailored Coaching Sessions: Every entrepreneur is matched with a dedicated coach, offering ongoing guidance to apply program insights effectively and maintain focus on circular solutions development.
Peer-to-Peer Learning
Platforms for entrepreneurs to exchange experiences, address challenges, and explore collaborative ventures with peers across different hubs.
Market Linkages and Industry Connections
Facilitated activities, including circular marketplaces, investor roundtables, entrepreneur showcases, business tours, and expert panel discussions, fostering connections and showcasing circular innovations.
Financial Grants
Selected entrepreneurs receive grant funding for market exploration and product development, supplemented by tailored technical coaching to reach specific milestones.
Demo Day
A Regional Demo day event and roadshow where the top 10 entrepreneurs will showcase their circular journeys and progress in the program. The event will also be an opportunity to showcase the program’s success and a way to raise awareness on the toolkits that IHs will have developed for the entire circular economy ecosystem.
PROGRAM TIMELINE
Meet The 10 Shortlisted Ventures
Learn more about the startups and their solution:
- Afri-Farmers: Leveraging technology to connect smallholder farmers with consumers, Afri-Farmers provides training on best agricultural practices and helps farmers access necessary farm inputs.
- Chanels Innovation: Through AI-driven firmware, Chanels enhances energy distribution efficiency for micro-utilities, lowering operational costs and improving service delivery in underserved communities.
- Indintambwe Feeds Ltd: Indintambwe Feeds utilizes maggots as an alternative protein source for animal feed, making it affordable for small and medium farmers.
- South Circle: Tackling the glass waste problem, South Circle transforms glass waste into eco-friendly construction materials such as tiles, terrazzo, and countertops.
- Incuti Foods: Incuti Foods addresses post-harvest losses of chili peppers among Rwandan smallholder farmers by providing a market for their produce.
- ClenVille: ClenVille creates affordable, durable interlocking building blocks from plastic waste, addressing high construction costs and inadequate housing.
- Rebanatex: Rebanatex recycles banana trunks into biodegradable leather products, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional leather.
- FruitFresh: The FruitFresh charcoal cooler is a zero-energy cooling system using charcoal leftovers, providing an eco-friendly solution for preserving produce.
- Uza: Uza is a platform that facilitates the sale and purchase of second-hand or ‘pre-loved’ items, making the process hassle-free and accessible.
- Agritech Booster: Agritech Booster reduces plastic waste and soil pollution by offering biodegradable packaging and seedling racks made from cassava peels.
Venture Diagnostics
Viability of the Business Model
The startup shows it has local demand, a clear business model, an attractive value proposition, understands its target market, and identifies competitive advantages.
Level of Circularity
The startup integrates circular principles, considers environmental impact and sustainability, implements waste reuse and regeneration efforts, and aims to improve environmental and social impact.
Team Leadership and Skills
The team displays entrepreneurial and management qualities, possesses relevant skills and experience, and works cohesively.
Potential for Job Creation
The startup’s employment figures and trends over the past three years, factors influencing employment, and five-year job creation projections are taken into account.
Gender/Inclusivity
The project’s value chain or mission includes consideration of women.
Level of Innovation
Technology or Data: The startup adapts to local realities and offers original, innovative, and quality products/services.
Potential Impact
The possible positive effects the startup’s solution has or can have on its community, industry or the environment. This will include the social, economic, and environmental impact.
Scaling Potential and Replicability
The business model and solution of the startup are capable of being scaled and replicated in other markets or contexts, considering aspects such as the adaptability of the business model, the scalability of the technology or solution, and the potential for geographical or demographic expansion.
Ongoing Activities : Phase II
Masterclasses & Workshops
Peer-to-peer Learning
One on One Coaching
Circular Economy and Business Support
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Partner with us, Today
At Impact Hub Kigali, we believe in the power of collaboration to drive social change. By partnering with us, you’ll join a vibrant community of changemakers working towards sustainable solutions that empower local communities and make a lasting impact. Whether you’re a business, nonprofit, or individual, your partnership can help shape the future of Rwanda’s most innovative ventures.
