Africa-based entrepreneurs research and proffer innovative solutions to ensure sustainable development in the continent. Nestlé launched the Research & Development Innovation challenge to leverage outstanding creativity and turn promising ideas into reality.
The Research & Development Innovation Challenge is part of Nestlé’s Global Youth Initiative, which aims to empower 10 million youths from around the world by 2030. It is a platform for startups and university students to contribute their ideas for sustainable development in society.
See also: Call for Application: Nokia Open Innovation Challenge, NOIC 2019
University students in Central and West African countries are to submit solutions for final selection. The challenge runs across: environmentally friendly packaging solutions, quality agricultural produce, new routes to market and affordable nutrition.
Nestlé partnered with Kinaya Ventures to engage with local startups. The first edition took place in Ghana yesterday and subsequent editions will be launched in Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Senegal. The program is designed to accelerate corporate startup partnerships and catalyze digital entrepreneurship.
Selected teams will participate in an accelerator program to advance and commercialize their ideas. It is an opportunity for startups and university teams to access Nestlé’s research and development expertise. At the end of the program, teams will pitch their proof of concept to Nestlé’s management.
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