The EatSafe Innovation Challenge (April–October 2022) inspired students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators to develop bold solutions that address food safety challenges in Nigeria and Ethiopia. The initiative focused on how food system innovations can be adapted and applied in traditional food markets and along value chains to make nutritious food safer and more accessible.
The challenge received over 750 applications, demonstrating the huge potential of young innovators and startups across Africa. After a rigorous review, 10 finalists were selected to present their groundbreaking ideas at the EatSafe National Innovation Challenge Pitch Event.
From this pool, the top six winners were chosen to represent Nigeria and Ethiopia at the Global Finale, hosted at the Technical University of Denmark Food Skylab. At the finale, three innovators received awards from sponsors, highlighting the global importance of strengthening food safety innovations in African markets.
Throughout the process, EatSafe provided technical guidance and mentorship, enabling applicants to refine their business models and improve the impact of their solutions. This hands-on support ensured that their concepts could be scaled to benefit smallholder farmers, processors, and market traders in local food systems.
📖 Further Reading:
- Profiles of the Top 10 Finalists (Nigeria & Ethiopia)
- EatSafe Innovation Challenge Final Event Report
The EatSafe Innovation Challenge demonstrates how collaboration between entrepreneurs, academia, and development partners can accelerate solutions to food safety challenges, build resilient nutrition-sensitive food systems, and create opportunities for SMEs across Nigeria and Africa.
