Food Waste Innovation Challenge launches in SA

The Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship South Africa has partnered with the UNDP Accelerator Labs to launch the Food Waste Innovation Challenge. 

Ten entrepreneurs will be selected to take part in a six-month go-to-market and investor readiness mentorship programme

Ten entrepreneurs will be selected to take part in a six-month go-to-market and investor readiness mentorship programme alongside access to the Branson Centre’s Ignite programme to scale their food waste solutions.

Rowan Le Roux of the Branson Centre Zero Waste & Circular Economy Advisory Board and the first certified Future Fit practitioner in South Africa comments on the importance of tackling food waste in the country.

“South Africa sees some 10-million tonnes of food at a cost of more than R61.5-billion go to landfills each year. The twelfth goal of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals is to reduce global food waste by 50% by 2030. R61.5-billion is no small change and, given this enormous cost, the adverse environmental impact, and the social implications of millions of people going hungry, we hope to find like-minded entrepreneurs that are ready to take their ideas to market, thereby helping South Africa intercept and prevent food waste.”

The Food Waste Innovation Challenge

The Food Waste Innovation Challenge is the first round of recruitment to the Ignite programme for qualifying entrepreneurs. In essence, the innovation programme is a stepping stone towards the renowned entrepreneurship programme hosted by the Branson Centre. The Ignite programme will reportedly start on 1 June 2021.

Applications are currently open and interested entrepreneurs must apply online.

The selected 10 entrepreneurs will be provided with one-on-one mentorship; access to expert opinions, insights, and inputs for their business; third-party collaborations on their purpose along with brand identity, and marketing; regular progress workshops; and access to legal, IT, accounting, and other business services. 

Simone Smit, Head of Exploration at the UNDP Accelerator Lab South Africa comments on the launch of the programe. 

 “We are delighted to be partnering on this exciting challenge with the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship South Africa. This initiative provides a portfolio of solutions contributing to inclusive growth, sustainability, and food security, and thus accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.”

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