CoELIB's approach to business incubation and mentorship builds the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kenya by providing opportunities for youth entrepreneurs to transform their passions into sustainable businesses. The hub's dynamic and progressive business development approach has seen over 3,500 startups and more than 14,000 youths trained and supported through its physical and virtual platforms.

For example, Eco Wrap Wonders, a business incubated at CoELIB through the Food Waste Reduction and Food Quality Living Lab project (FORQLAB), has grown from a concept to a green enterprise representing the power of youth-led innovation. The enterprise is launching its flagship product,i.e., the biodegradable feed bag, made from banana stems, water hyacinth, and cornstarch.

"When we joined FORQLAB, Eco Wrap Wonders was just a concept driven by concern for the environment. Beyond a space for research and development, we gained mentorship, technical guidance, and access to networks that helped turn our vision into a viable green business. Those early days laid the foundation for everything we've achieved today." Peter Otieno, Technical Advisor, Eco Wrap Wonders.

Currently being hosted as a project at Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands, Eco Wrap is living true to its mission of becoming Kenya's top innovator in sustainable agricultural packaging, transforming waste into wealth while protecting the environment and empowering farming communities.

"It's great to see Eco Wrap Wonders making headlines. This is a true testament to the dedication, collaboration, and hands-on support we invest in our incubatees. Their success reflects the kind of transformative impact we aim to achieve at FORQLAB." Victor Kiplangat, FORQLAB

The FORQLAB project aims to reduce food waste and losses in the dairy and avocado sectors in the central highlands and Western Kenya regions, respectively. The selected areas have great potential to uptake successful chain innovations. CoELIB remains a launchpad for young entrepreneurs looking to turn ideas into profitable ventures; backed by an ecosystem rooted in shared learning, the program supports innovation, incubation, and investment, empowering participants to scale their ideas with purpose and impact.