We are pleased to announce the winners of the OD Impact Challenge 2023. Thank you to all applicants for an exciting competition season. Your passion, optimism and commitment to solving the world’s most pressing problems is an inspiration to everyone of us.
Selecting the top three was a very tough decision to make as all finalists were outstanding. They represent leaders and entrepreneurs who are taking great steps to solve real problems and add significant value to the lives of people in the communities. It is amazing to see the brilliant ideas and we are deeply moved by the commitment of young people to bringing about positive change in your community.
Meet the Winners
#1 First Place: Kakembo Galabuzi Brian (Uganda) – Founder, WEYE Clean Energy Company
Kakembo Galabuzi Brian is the founder and Executive Director of WEYE Clean Energy Company, a social enterprise, empowering over 800 youth and women in Uganda to create sustainable and affordable clean energy solutions. He was also a UN intern with the World Meteorological Organization.
Kakembo Galabuzi Brian has an MBA in Energy and Sustainability awarded by the Catholic University of Murcia in Spain. For his work, he is a recipient of iF Social Impact Prize in 2017 by iF Design Foundation in Germany; Greenpreneurs Achievement Award 2018 by the Global Green Growth Institute in South Korea; the 2020 Commonwealth Young Person of the Year Award for excellence in development work and he was listed in the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 class of 2021.
#2 Second Place: Tito Tri Kadafi (Indonesia) – Co-Founder, Berembug Card by Bastra ID
Tito Tri Kadafi is an education activist who strives to improve literacy, critical thinking, and socio-emotional abilities for young Indonesians so that the world is more fair and tolerant through the Bastra ID organization he founded in 2018. This organization has a focus on language and literature, the vehicles for the aforementioned purpose. Due to the fact that his city is the least tolerant in Indonesia and there is a lack of interfaith dialogue there, Tito developed Kartu Berembug with his organization as a learning medium to help students develop negotiation skills in navigating the challenges of diversity.
In 2023, he was given the chance to work in the Indonesian State Palace as a student at the Presidential Staff School. Through his perseverance, he was also awarded by the Indonesian Ministry of Youth and Sport as a National Youth Pioneer, Young Leaders for Indonesia by McKinsey & Company, won Unilever’s Every U Does Good Heroes for this action, and was one of the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative Academic Fellows in Nebraska, United States. Tito was a valedictorian at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta with an Indonesian Language and Literature Education major.
#3 Third Place: Mehreen Raza (Pakistan) – Founder, She Guard
Mehreen Raza, hailing from Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan, emerges as a dynamic force at the intersection of technology, environmental sciences, water, sanitation and health sciences, and women’s empowerment. Her academic accolades, including a gold medal and two silver medals in Computer Systems Engineering and Forestry, underscore her commitment to excellence. As the victor of the 2023 Climate Launchpad Asia Pacific Regional Finals, Mehreen’s passion for positive environmental and societal impact materialized in “She-Guard.” This innovative venture pioneers biodegradable sanitary napkins from agro-waste, combating climate change and addressing the dire need for affordable menstrual hygiene products in Pakistan.
Her multifaceted role as a researcher, entrepreneur, and climate activist positions her as a catalyst for change, aiming to create a sustainable and equitable future for women globally. Awards from esteemed organizations like the UNFPA, UNIDO, and The Asia Foundation, The French Embassy, IUCN, Higher education commission, Shell Tameer Pakistan etc affirm Mehreen’s dedication to pioneering solutions for pressing global challenges. Her journey reflects not only academic prowess but also a profound commitment to bridge gaps, empower rural communities, and foster lasting change. Championing change, Mehreen aspires to revolutionize women’s health and environmental well-being with She-Guard, making a lasting global impact.
Congratulations to the winners!
What some of the entrants had to say:
Opportunity Desk has totally impacted my life as I got to learn about opportunities and have attended several accelerator and incubation programs. I have also applied and won grants through this website.
– Elvis Kadhama
I encountered Opportunity Desk in the midst of COVID-19 and one striking attribute is their consistency and adequacy. I saw my first ever life-changing opportunity on Opportunity Desk, that is, UNICEF Ideashack Challenge, an innovative opportunity that brought together young innovators from across the world to explore, brainstorm and devise relevant solutions to end Open Defecation. The team I led made it to the top 4 teams to receive a grant of 1400$ to work on our solution. Without Opportunity Desk, I don’t think I would have gotten this opportunity and I am so grateful.
– Stephen Nartey Takitey
OD has really helped me a lot. I have it bookmarked on my laptop, it is my go-to site for global opportunities. Through OD, I was able to secure a $5000 grant for my business.
– Eunice Adewale
We are proud of every applicant. Thank you everyone for making this edition a success. We welcome you to join the next round.
Follow Opportunity Desk on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter for updates.