Topics & Events

The winners of the NINJA COVID-19 Response and Recovery Business Challenge; Mscan, Zetu Africa and Ecoplastile Ltd were crowned on 16 April 2021, in a colourful event organised by JICA in partnership with the Innovation Village and the Ministry of Science, Technology& Innovation (MoSTI).

CK Japheth, the CEO of Innovation village hands over an award to Ecoplastile Limited (Left).

As prizes, the start-ups received $30, 0000 each plus 6 months business support from JICA to scale up their innovations. However, MSCAN, having won at continental level, received motorbikes as well, to facilitate their mobility in reaching out to expectant mothers in communities.

The JICA Chief Representative, Mr. Fukase Yutaka hands over motorbike keys to Mr. Menyo Innocent, CEO, Mscan.

On receiving the award, Mr. Menyo Innocent, the CEO of Mscan noted, "When COVID-19 hit, we were stranded. Mscan has portable ultra-scan machines and we want to reach to the mother who can't access these machines. This award is validation of what we do".

Mr. Menyo Innocent, CEO, Mscan having a feel of their ‘machine'.

"The NINJA Business challenge has showed brilliance of Ugandan start-ups and as JICA Uganda, we shall focus more on supporting the start-ups to enable them to succeed globally," remarked Mr. Fukase Yutaka, the Chief Representative, JICA.

The JICA Chief Representative, Mr. Fukase Yutaka making his remarks during the ceremony.

Mr. Morrish Ocen, the Assistant Commissioner, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, in his speech, thanked JICA and the Innovation Village for supporting startups in Uganda. Our mandate is to supervise innovation activities in Uganda and we cannot do it on our own".