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Fruitastic 5 Wins the Food Systems Innovation Challenge with a Vision to Combat Food Waste in Uganda
The 2024 Food Systems Innovation Challenge concluded with Fruitastic 5 from Uganda winning the top prize of €5,500 for their creative approach to reducing food waste. The team developed a method to transform overripe jackfruits into nutritious snacks, extending the fruit’s shelf life while promoting healthy eating and boosting economic benefits for local farmers and vendors.
The challenge brought together 18 student teams from nine countries, including Suriname, Brazil, Nepal, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, the Netherlands, and Ethiopia. Over the course of six months, the teams worked on feasible, scalable, and impactful innovations aimed at transforming local food systems to meet national pathways to sustainable food systems, linked to the UN Food Systems Summit.
Finalists and Winning Innovations
Each team was tasked with designing and implementing a project that addressed food or water security in their local context. In the end, Fruitastic 5 stood out for their practical approach to tackling food waste and empowering local communities.
In second place, the Eco Grub team from Nepal presented a solution to convert organic waste into affordable, protein-rich feed for poultry, pig farming, and fisheries using Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae, addressing high feed costs and reducing environmental impact.
AgroEssential from Brazil secured third place for their research into using essential oils from citrus and Spiked pepper to naturally control pests and diseases in horticultural plants, promoting sustainable food cultivation.
The Audience Award went to Sugar Shakers from Nigeria, who developed date syrup as a safe, quality alternative to refined sugar while promoting its health benefits and exploring its use in sweets and chocolates.
The Top 5 Finalists also included:
- Green Scholars - Ethiopia
- Success Tribe - Uganda
Youth Food Lab Incubator Launch
During the award ceremony, partners officially launched the Youth Food Lab Incubator. The incubator will provide winning teams with mentorship, resources, and knowledge-sharing opportunities to further develop their projects. The launch was led by Sjoukje Heimovaara (Wageningen University & Research), Kazuki Kitaoka (World Food Forum), and Sagar Paudel (International Association of students in Agricultural and related Sciences).
Reflecting on the significance of the incubator, Sjoukje Heimovaara noted, "Partnerships like the Youth Food Lab are vital for empowering the next generation of innovators. By fostering youth-led innovation, we can build sustainable food systems that will benefit communities globally." She also highlighted that the new physical hub of the Youth Food Lab at Wageningen University & Research would serve as a platform for local and international students to access entrepreneurial training and support.
Excursion programme
The students joined in excursions at Koppert Cress, where gastronomy meets horticulture and NGN-Insect buisness, on insect farming in the Global South.
Partners and collaboration
The Food Systems Innovation Challenge was organised by Wageningen University & Research in collaboration with the Netherlands Food Partnership and supported by partners like the International Association of Students in Agricultural Sciences, World Food Forum, and the Youth Food Lab. Together, they provided students with resources, policy engagement, and financial backing to advance sustainable food system innovations.