The University of Eldoret has achieved a significant milestone following the official announcement of student teams selected to participate in the 2026 Food Systems Innovation Challenge (FSIC) Global Programme, an international student innovation competition co-organised by Wageningen University & Research (WUR) and the Netherlands Food Partnership.
The Food Systems Innovation Challenge brings together young innovators from across the world to develop nature-based solutions addressing pressing global food system challenges, including climate change mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity restoration, food security, and sustainable agricultural development at local and global levels.
The global recognition follows a rigorous evaluation process that began earlier in March 2026 with institutional pitch evaluations held worldwide. At the University of Eldoret, the FSIC Pitch Evaluation and Selection of Concept Notes took place on 14 March 2026, providing a platform for student-led teams to present transformative innovations aimed at strengthening sustainable food systems.
The pitching session was coordinated by Dr. George Ariya, FSIC Coordinator at the University of Eldoret, and aligned with the IUCN Standard for Nature-Based Solutions, emphasizing environmental stewardship, climate resilience, and sustainable resource use.
Out of twelve initially shortlisted concept notes, ten teams presented their innovations before external judges Erick Otieno, TAGDev 2.0 Business Development Services Officer, and Mr. Kevin Karim. The submissions were assessed using a structured seven-point evaluation matrix focusing on innovation, feasibility, impact potential, scalability, and alignment with nature-based solutions principles.
Following the local evaluation, selected concepts were submitted for international review by Wageningen University & Research.
The Food Systems Innovation Challenge has now officially announced the 30 student teams worldwide selected to represent their respective universities in the 2026 global programme.
The University of Eldoret proudly celebrates the selection of two student-led innovations: BreezBag and FermentaFuture
The selected teams will embark on an intensive innovation journey leading to the Grand Finals scheduled for 29 September 2026 at Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands.
Between now and the finals, participating teams will benefit from:
- Seed funding support
- Capacity-building workshops
- Mentorship and technical guidance
- Access to international innovation networks
Global Representation
The 30 selected teams represent universities across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America, highlighting the growing global momentum of youth-driven innovation in sustainable food systems. Participating institutions come from countries including Bangladesh, Benin, Brazil, Ethiopia, Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, Nepal, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Senegal, South Korea, Uganda, and Vietnam.
The Food Systems Innovation Challenge continues to serve as a powerful platform for nurturing entrepreneurial thinking among university students while advancing climate-resilient and sustainable food system solutions.
The University of Eldoret commends all participating teams for their creativity, dedication, and commitment to building resilient food futures. The selection of BreezBag and FermentaFuture reflects the university’s growing role in promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and nature-based solutions through student-led initiatives.
The programme is implemented with support from WUR Student Challenges, the Netherlands Food Partnership, the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research, University Fund Wageningen, WFF Youth Innovation Lab, The Global Network of Lighthouse Farms, and the Empower Youth4Food Campaign.