Ten young innovators have been selected to take part in Imbuto Foundation’s iAccelerator boot camp, an event which will prepare and equip them with the skills to pitch their projects during a 2021 event from which the top 3 projects will be awarded $10,000 in seed funding as well as mentorship and business development training. The Innovation Accelerator (iAccelerator) is a mentorship programme supporting young entrepreneurs with seed funding, training and skills development to generate innovative solutions in response to challenges related to sexual and reproductive health, maternal health and other issues. The 10 innovators were selected from over 40 participants who were part of Phase 3 of the Programme which was launched virtually on November 13. In general, under this year’s programme the aImbuto Foundation received a total of 690 submissions from Rwandans between the age of 18 and 30. Out of these, the best 40 were selected to take part in the Phase 3 of the iAccelerator programme, from which the top 10 were selected for the boot camp. In a virtual event that took place on Tuesday December 22, the young innovators pitched their projects to a panel of judges, showcasing their solutions and ideas. The projects ideas focused on seeking solutions towards access to Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health information, services for adolescents and youth with disabilities; and increasing knowledge and awareness on mental health issues faced by youth, as well as mitigating the stigma in seeking help and guide where they can find support. The day’s judges included Dr. Damascene Iyamuremye the Director of Psychiatric Care unit at Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), Joel Murenzi the Youth Empowerment Unit Coordinator at Imbuto Foundation, Daphrose Nyirasafari the Head of Sexual Reproduction Health Unit at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); and Oswald Tuyizere the Director of Social Economic Empowerment at the National Council for People living with Disabilities (NCPD). The Innovation iAccelerator programme is implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Culture, KOICA, UNFPA and Imbuto Foundation. Top 10 Innovators: 1. HABIMANA Amadoullah: His solution is of an educational entertainment cartoon aimed at educating and informing young persons with #disabilities on #SexualReproductiveHealth issues. 2. Confiance CYUBAHIRO, Eric NIYONGIRA, Nadine UMURUNGI: Their project is called “Kundwa Typing Application and Booklet” allowing users to improve their typing skills through games, with texts related to #SRH information. 3. NKURUNZIZA Yvette: Her solution is a physical facility called “INTAMBWE”, serving as a control center where youth can join to learn more about #sexualreproductivehealth, as well as learn how they can take care of themselves and others. 4. UMUBYEYI Aimee Laetitia: Her solution is an education and awareness programme aimed at the dissemination of #SRH information among persons with disabilities, across the country. 5. MFITUMUKIZA Jerome, NTIRENGANYA Jean Bosco: Their solution is to avail a website and linked mobile application providing useful information and services to persons with disabilities. 6. UMURERWA Josiane, HIRWUBARUTA Dan: Their solution is an online counselling hotline center called “VUGUKIRE, that will enable users to get help from medical facilities and counsellors about their #MentalHealth problems. 7. RUKUNDO Janvier, IRASUBOZA Elie, Ishimwe Ivan: Their solution is an internet based eMental care project providing information on health among youth, mainly on #MentalHealth and #SRH. 8. Sam Muhanguzi, Eric Nshizirungu: Their solution is to produce a #MentalHealthAwareness magazines that will feature stories and research based facts aimed at significantly changing perspectives on #MentalHealth. 9. HABIYAMBERE Emmanuel, Hafashimana Oresthe: Their solution is a media platform series titled “Menya Wirinde” that will focus on raising awareness of #MentalHealth and availing #SRH information and services to the youth. 10. Marie Odile Ndayishimiye Uwineza, Charline Mugeniwayesu: Their solution is to avail #SRH and MentalHealth information and services to the youth, through fun activities including handcrafts, baking and jewelry making.
