Kelteve, 1st runner up in the SeedCo Innovation Challenge.

Kelteve, 1st runner up in the SeedCo Innovation Challenge.

Steve Tadzoka (right) and Chiratidzo Charakupa (left) after receiving the 1st runner up prize.

SEED Co, in partnership with Boost Fellowship, shelled out over US$2 500 to motivative students who come up with new agricultural concepts.

The ceremony was held at Seed Co plant in Stapleford, north of Harare, last Friday.

Seed Co regional managing director Mr Denias Zaranyika said innovation was key, and had become the lifeblood of organisations across the globe.

“Evolutionary and revolutionary innovations are coming in to disrupt the status quo. Digital systems have brought a new breath of fresh air to the world, and innovation hubs across the world everyday are dreaming of new and better ways of meeting customer needs and expectations,” he said.

Students who made presentations were each awarded US$300 and WiFi routers.

Ronald Murove from the Midlands State University (MSU) came out tops and bagged US$1 000 with his centralised database for various stake holders in agriculture while second position went to the duo of Chiratidzo Charakupa and Steve Tadzoka with their Grain Storage Monitoring System from Kelteve Distinction Technologies, who pocketed US$700. “We need to protect the grain even after harvest to preserve the quality of the food thereafter as well as assure quality of the next crop by preserving the seed to be planted in the next season in a safe monitored storage” said Steve Tadzoka giving a description of their innovation.

The third prize of US$500 went to Prince Mazimuku from Lupane State University with his Smart Green House.

Seed Co deputy managing director Dr Edworks Mhandu challenged youths to create solutions for problems and bring creative ideas.

“Young people should challenge the status quo and create solutions for occurring problems and come up with ideas that bring in creativity,” said Dr Mhandu.

The Boost Fellowship executive director, Ms Cleopatra Makoni, said the initiative was an opportunity that enables young minds to express ideas, adding that it paves way for a brighter tomorrow.

Boost Fellowship, an affiliate to Enactus, partnered Seed Co to sponsor the Boost Innovation Challenge, which is meant to develop technological and inventive ideas that create value for farmers’ livelihoods in the country.

The challenge was open to all university and agricultural college students from first year up to PhD level.

Concept ideas included new technologies and business models that make agribusiness more inclusive to improve market penetration.

The innovations should empower farmers to fully participate in agribusiness and gain revenue from employment or entrepreneurship such as new distribution channels.

2 Responses

  1. Zvikomborero says:

    Congratulations to you, i always knew from back then that you would make a big name out of yourself and anything you associate yourself with.

  2. Lynete says:

    This victory remains solitary gladly seeing your diligent work and devotion. This honor makes you sparkling in the middle of names and fame. Continue going in your life and accomplish your every dream with your diligent work. congratulations on your accomplishment.

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