It’s been a year since the greenLabs Incubation Program admitted the very first cohort of young people to experience a life transforming journey into green entrepreneurship. With this focus, It’s been exciting to finally graduate the first cohort and welcome an even bigger group.
The journey, which started with the aim of catalyzing green job creation by youth, saw enterprises being launched. At an event celebrating this milestone, the young entrepreneurs boldly spoke about the solutions they are creating within the green economy, and just how many more young people can leverage the opportunities in the green economy.
As a continuation of this narrative, greenLabs scaled even higher this year to launch the Renewable Energy Innovation Challenge. The Innovation Challenge was focused on addressing a variety of problems stemming from lack of energy access and or climate change impacts. It aimed to foster the conceptualization of solutions to address socio-economic issues that have the potential to become green startups through incubation, and eventually create jobs in the long run.
The Demo Day, which was the final stage of the innovation challenge, had 24 finalists battle it out to win one of the top three prizes, presenting their solutions to judges and guests. The judging panel consisted of Phyllis Migwi, Country General Manager, Microsoft East Africa, Klaudine Wakasa, Senior Advisor, Mercy Corps, Chebet Lesan, Founder, Bright Green Energy, Nicholus Kimali, CEO, Fedha Electrics and George Mosomi, Platform Associate, Mercy Corps Ventures.
Speaking at the Renewable Energy Innovation Challenge Demo Day, Karen Chelang’at, Chief Innovation Officer, Jacob’s Ladder Africa said, “At the heart of JLA’s mission is the proliferation of green solutions, with African youth at the centre. Through the Renewable Energy Innovation Challenge, we have been able to mentor and journey with young people from across the country who have come up with impressive innovative solutions, proving that the youth have what it takes to ideate and implement green solutions that solve current and pressing socio-economic issues in the country.”
The busy day ended when all 24 finalists, including the top three, were given the opportunity to be a part of the second cohort of the greenLabs Incubation Program for a period of nine months. Through the program, the entrepreneurs will have access to mentorship, training and cross-learning opportunities.
