Discover the latest updates from INCiTiS-FOOD! Read more about our recently launched Open Call for Independent Innovators, insights from the confidence-building workshop series, and highlights from international and local events across Africa and Europe.
INCiTiS-FOOD Open Call for Independent Innovators
INCiTiS-FOOD has launched its second Open Call, inviting independent innovators, start-ups, and SMEs to propose solutions to challenges identified by the project’s Living Labs. Eligible applicants must be based in one of the eight cities and towns hosting an INCiTiS-FOOD Living Lab. In each location, three innovators will be selected.
Through this Open Call, INCiTiS-FOOD will support a total of 24 Independent Innovators, providing overall funding of €60,000.
Confidence-Building Workshops Strengthening Women’s Participation in INCiTiS-FOOD Living Labs
Between mid-October and late November, the Confidence-Building Workshop Series, aimed at strengthening women’s participation and visibility within Living Labs, was held for the INCiTiS-FOOD consortium. The series was delivered through four sessions, held every other week from October 16 to November 27, and brought together people engaged in different roles across the project.
The workshops were organised by Women Engage for a Common Future (WECF), with coordination for the INCiTiS-FOOD consortium led by Christy Aikhorin, and featured Prof. Catherine Ndungo from Kenyatta University as a main presenter.
The workshops explored themes of self-awareness, trust-building, public speaking, and inclusive leadership, directly responding to identified confidence and participation gaps. High levels of engagement, particularly in small-group discussions, alongside positive evaluation results, indicate meaningful learning outcomes.
Showcasing INCiTiS-FOOD Across International and Local Events
- INCiTiS-FOOD was part of “Urban Food Action Plan: Why and How to Invest in African Urban Food Systems”, our sister project’s conference in Milan, Italy. The event brought together diverse partners committed to building stronger, more sustainable food systems across African cities. The conference also celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact (MUFPP), a milestone marking a decade of collaboration and progress in urban food governance.
- In October, INCiTiS-FOOD took part in Synergy Days 2025 in Rotterdam alongside projects FCI4Africa, FoodSafety4Africa, and STREAMING. Our coordinator and co-coordinator presented how INCiTiS-FOOD is transforming African city-region food systems through circular agri-food technologies and Living Labs, and our mission to improve access to nutritious, safe, and affordable food. The event brought together a vibrant community of innovators, digital hubs, policy-makers, and agri-food stakeholders, proving once again that collaboration is key to building sustainable food systems.
- INCiTiS-FOOD was showcased in the Kambia District for the World Food Day event. Our partners from Njala University Living Lab presented their innovative 2-in-1 aquaponics and hydroponic system, drawing great interest from the public. Many visitors engaged with the team and asked insightful questions – all expertly answered by the Living Lab technician.
- In November, our project was represented at the launch of the Association of Insect Farming & Its Products, the first organisation in Kenya bringing together the country’s insect producers. Partners from Nakuru Living Lab presented INCiTiS-FOOD and its mission during the event.
- On the initiative of our partners from Fachhochschule Südwestfalen, another interesting event took place: the visit of Johannes from Bio Innovation Park Rheinland (Germany) to the University for Development Studies Living Lab in Ghana. During his visit, the Living Lab team gave him a tour of the innovative circular food production systems being developed within the project.
Egerton University Granted National Patent for Sustainable Fish Feed Innovation
In early November, another important achievement marked the progress of the INCiTiS-FOOD project. Our partners from Egerton University were granted a national patent for a groundbreaking invention: Temperature-Adapted Fish Feed Compositions Based on Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Patent No. KE 1063). Developed by Dr. Benjamin Musyimi and his team, in collaboration with the INCiTiS-FOOD Living Lab hosted by Prof. George Owuor, this innovation transforms organic by-products into sustainable fish feed adapted to different pond temperatures, leading to healthier fish, reduced production costs, and lower environmental impact.
This milestone perfectly reflects the spirit of INCiTiS-FOOD: empowering local innovation through Europe–Africa collaboration to build circular, climate-resilient, and inclusive food systems. From insect-based feeds to aquaponics and hydroponics, our Living Labs demonstrate how science and community engagement can turn urban food challenges into green opportunities.
We once again congratulate Egerton University and the INCiTiS-FOOD Nakuru Living Lab team.
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