Innovative Ugandan Entrepreneurs Win European Patent Office Prize for Natural Fruit Preservation

Celebrating Innovation: Sandra Namboozo and Samuel Muyita

In an inspiring ceremony held in Iceland, Sandra Namboozo (26) and Samuel Muyita (28), two young entrepreneurs from Uganda, were awarded the prestigious Community Healers prize by the European Patent Office (EPO) for their groundbreaking innovation in natural fruit preservation. Their invention, Karpolax, is a biodegradable sachet designed to significantly extend the shelf life of fruits without the need for refrigeration, offering a sustainable solution to food waste and empowering local farmers.

The Karpolax Journey

Karpolax was born from the entrepreneurs' own experiences in farming families, where they witnessed firsthand the struggles of smallholder farmers in Uganda. Without adequate cold storage, post-harvest losses are rampant and many farmers face food waste and financial loss. The duo's mission became clear: to create a low-cost, natural alternative to synthetic preservatives. They achieved this by harnessing the power of plant-derived volatile organic compounds extracted from natural ingredients like cloves, lemongrass, eucalyptus, and wintergreen.

During pilot testing with Uganda's National Agricultural Research Organisation, Karpolax was shown to extend the shelf life of mangoes from just 11 days to an impressive 33 days. The implications of this technology are monumental; by reducing food waste, vendors and farmers can significantly increase their profits and contribute to food security in the region. "If farmers are not using Karpolax, they’re not using anything... without refrigeration, food would go to waste. We have reduced wastage by over 40%," said Muyita.

Acknowledging the Impact

Namboozo and Muyita's innovation was part of the larger Young Inventors Prize, which recognizes individuals 30 and under who are shaping the future with inventive solutions. Their prize comes with a portion of EUR 20,000, including EUR 5,000 awarded to each selected Tomorrow Shaper and an additional EUR 15,000 for the Community Healers award. The duo expressed their gratitude, stating, "This award not only validates our work but also highlights the farmers we serve, making sure their harvest does not go to waste."

Addressing Global Issues

Their work directly engages with some of the pressing global challenges outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). As the world grapples with the fact that over 1 billion tonnes of food is wasted annually alongside 783 million people facing hunger, their innovations provide a critical pathway toward alleviating food insecurity.

A Broader Vision

Beyond mangoes, Karpolax has successfully applied to other fruits such as bananas, apples, and oranges, with ongoing research aiming to adapt the sachet usage for other crops like pineapples and berries. As both Namboozo and Muyita continue their journey, they are committed to fostering resilience in their communities through food security initiatives.

Overcoming Challenges

The path to launching Karpolax was not without its challenges. The duo faced significant hurdles in accessing the necessary lab equipment, funding, and expertise during their initial development phase. They often had to walk long distances between labs and navigate the complexities of startup limitations. However, their dedication and resilience have paid off, and they now stand as role models for young innovators across the globe.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the achievements of Sandra Namboozo and Samuel Muyita exemplify the profound impact young minds can have on society. Their revolutionary approach to fruit preservation not only minimizes waste but also provides critical support to farmers. As they continue to expand their impact, they remain a beacon of hope for sustainable agricultural practices, showcasing the bright future innovation can bring for communities worldwide.