The 2024 Venture for Change (V4C) program concluded on September 26th 2024 with a thrilling idea competition between student teams from various participating Universities. Launched in 2019, V4C is a social entrepreneurship initiative designed to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset in University students. The University of Eldoret (UoE) has been a participant since 2021, marking its fourth consecutive year. Other participating Universities include Moi University, University of Kabianga, and Kibabii University. Over the years, the UoE mentors have gained invaluable insights, furthering the institutions' objectives of innovation and research.

In this year's edition, UoE was represented by three student teams, each consisting of five members:

1. Dynamic Innovators (Wanjiru Kabura, Scott Kimberly, Brian Yatich, Keith Etyang, and Cynthia Ng’eno)
   "Tishawing" - This innovation addresses food insecurity by protecting cereal crops from bird damage. Tishawing uses sensors to detect birds before they land on crops, scaring them away with sound generated by striking a metal plate.
2. The Think Tank (Tony Ojuok, Abubakar Said, Benadeth Wabwoba, Moffart Muraya, and Diana Wasike)
   “Compabriq” - briquettes from farm waste, specifically maize and cassava peelings
3. Team Alpha (Geff Gitonga, Justus Kosgei, Titus Ambau, Rasoah Moraa, and Brian Omangi).
   "Mende Kill," an eco-friendly pesticide targeting cockroaches in homes.

The students worked under the guidance of Dr. Heka Kamau (OISC), Dr. Becky Aloo (IPMO), Dr. Daniel Chebet (SAGR), Eng. Swaleh Ahmed Muhammed (SENG) and Mr. Kipkogei Chemitei (SSCI).

We congratulate the teams who performed exceptionally well as follows:

• Dynamic Innovators: 1st Position,
• Team Alpha: 3rd Position,
• The Think Tank: 4th Position

The teams are currently working at the OISC to perfect their prototypes.