Chief guest Eng. Jonard Asiimwe visiting exhibition stalls at the event on Thursday. Ten agritech and agribusiness innovators have shared Shs205 million at the AYuTe Africa Challenge Uganda Season 5 Awards Gala held Thursday at Sheraton Hotel, Kampala.The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Eng. Jonard Asiimwe, was the chief guest.“Use today’s recognition as fuel to do even bigger things. Think beyond this competition. Build for real conditions of the people you intend to serve,” Eng. Asiimwe told the finalists.He noted that many innovations fail to take off, adding that his Ministry is working to support innovators to reach commercialization.“You are not waiting for Uganda’s future; you are building it. To the finalists and winners, today’s recognition should be fuel, not a finishing line. Keep building, testing and improving, but always ask yourself: Who is my customer? What problem am I solving?” he said.“Understand Uganda’s agenda and priorities, and position your innovation to contribute to where the country is going. Our farmers need solutions. Our young people need jobs. Our country needs productive enterprises. That is where innovation must take us.”Heifer International Uganda Country Director, William Matovu, cautioned winners against misusing the prize money.“This award is not meant to be taken to nice bars in Kampala,” Matovu warned, urging innovators to listen to customers and partner with the right people.According to Matovu, the innovations from past seasons have already created jobs, opened opportunities for farmers, and attracted additional financing.“Reaching this stage is already a big step,” he said.This year, 10 winners were selected from 836 applicants. Sixteen finalists pitched, with 10 making it to the final funding list.Full List of Winners:Female Entrepreneur Award (Shs10m each)– Natura’s Nook Nutrition– Winnie Park Agro SupplyAgribusiness Category– 2nd Runner-up: Ama Bulungi Enterprises – Shs15m– 1st Runner-up: Lufafa Joel Enterprises – Shs30m– Overall Winner: Piipu General Enterprises LLP – Shs50mAgritech Category– 2nd Runner-up: Humi 99 Co. Ltd – Shs15m– 1st Runner-up: Afri Polli Fam Tech Solutions – Shs20m– Winner: Revmake Tech Co Ltd – Shs50mThe post Building Uganda’s Future: 10 Young Agri-Innovators Win Shs205m At AYuTe Gala appeared first on Business Focus.