The event, aimed at advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 11, 12, and 13, introduced participants to the UNLEASH methodology, guiding them through structured stages of problem framing, ideation, testing, and pitching.
This approach encouraged participants to view problems as opportunities, a perspective that Mahlet Bethel Syoum, the Lead Facilitator and Commercial Partner Liaison & Trade Data Analyst at AeTrade Group, emphasized at the end of the event.
'It's not just about gathering for two days; it's about doing something impactful. We want participants to approach solutions by first understanding the problem. When you look at a problem as an opportunity, it opens up a world of possibilities,' She said.
The participants formed teams to develop impactful ideas, culminating in pitches that addressed Urban environmental protection strategies and climate change mitigation innovative ideas.
The winning project, proposed by a team led by Mussa Tuyishime, a second-year architecture student from the University of Rwanda's College of Science and Technology.
It focused on enhancing urban food security by utilizing low-cost materials like old vehicle tires and plastic containers to create home-based gardens. These gardens provide a means for urban households to grow their food while also tackling waste issues.
Tuyishime described the importance of their solution. 'The solution we bring is cheap, requires little investment, and is applicable in urban centers. Our goal is to address food shortages in Kigali through home gardens and urban farming, contributing to sustainable food security, improved nutrition, and environmentally responsible consumption.'
The winning team's efforts were rewarded with a three-month incubation program with the University Innovation Pod (UniPod) and a leadership mentorship with AIESEC in Rwanda.
According to Syoum, this opportunity will allow the team to refine and scale their innovative project. 'This is such a huge opportunity for them to take their ideas to the next level,' she shared with pride.
The event also honored a first runner-up team, whose project presented a digital platform offering real-time weather updates/patterns and disaster alerts targeting urban residents in flood-prone areas to prevent potential losses due to adverse unpredictable weather.
Their prize included a one-month mentorship with AIESEC in Rwanda and climate action training with the Treescape Planet Organization, which would further their commitment to environmental protection.
Other notable projects include one that focused on sustainable waste management. They proposed development of a mobile app concept called 'Clean Kigali', aimed at connecting Kigali's residents with waste disposal options in urban neighborhoods.
The app would offer information on waste transport services and the locations of nearby disposal sites, providing a user-friendly solution to waste management in the city.
Another group proposed building aqua reservoirs and promoting rainwater harvesting to support urban agriculture, contributing to food security in Kigali's rapidly growing urban environment.
The collaboration and ambition demonstrated by these young innovators impressed Syoum and her team of facilitators.
'The teamwork, collaboration, and ambition were truly inspiring. Seeing their projects evolve in just two days was a testament to their potential,' she noted.
As a facilitator, Syoum took responsibility for gate-checking the teams, ensuring they met each stage's requirements while providing guidance rather than instruction.
'It's a learning process for everyone, including myself,' she shared, emphasizing the leadership and adaptability required to guide the teams through challenges. 'Sometimes things don't go as planned, but the real skill lies in how fast you can adapt and move forward.'
Reflecting on the event's success, Syoum highlighted the potential of Rwandan youth to drive meaningful change. 'They're change makers. Give them the right methodology and environment, and they'll surprise you with what they can accomplish.'
A member of the organizing team identified as Theoneste Ndayizeye expressed optimism that UNLEASH Hack Kigali has set an example of how structured, collaborative innovation can inspire sustainable solutions to urban challenges.
Sam K Nkurunziza
