At the recent Entrepreneurial Design Fellowship (EDF) Cohort 3 Graduation Ceremony, TICO marked another milestone in empowering young innovators to turn ideas into meaningful impact.
This cohort brought together 40 young participants who engaged in an immersive journey that included an intensive boot camp, community action activities, and a final graduation ceremony where they pitched their projects. The experience not only strengthened their skills but also prepared them to take bold steps toward solving real-world challenges.
The graduation ceremony was a vibrant gathering of EDF alumni from Cohort 1 and 2, Cohort 3 graduates, media representatives, development partners, civil society organizations, and youth-led organizations all coming together to celebrate youth innovation and collaboration.
For many participants, the journey was deeply transformative. Reflecting on his experience, Simbi Carlo shared that “TICO gave me the opportunity to stand in front of people and think more critically,” highlighting how the program builds both confidence and leadership.
Saleh’s story further illustrated the power of starting small. Using limited resources from university loans, he began his entrepreneurial journey and emphasized that “many projects fail at the idea stage because people believe they don’t have enough capital.” His experience is a testament to the idea that taking the first step—no matter how small can open doors to bigger opportunities. As he noted, “we need to learn how to use the little we have, because it can also help us grow.”
The event also recognized outstanding innovation among participants. Awards were presented to the best projects across key tracks, including Agriculture, Digital Innovation, and Arts, celebrating creativity and impact across diverse sectors. The highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of the overall best project, awarded to Isimbi Carlo, who received a 1 million RWF prize in support of her initiative an achievement that reflects both excellence and the potential for scalable impact.
Dr. Menelas Nkeshimana, Head of Department of Health Workforce Development. from the Ministry of Health commended TICO for its unwavering commitment to empowering young people through impactful initiatives. He encouraged participants to fully embrace the opportunities provided, emphasizing that such platforms are essential for personal and professional growth. “We sincerely appreciate TICO’s continued dedication to uplifting youth… I urge you all not to take these opportunities for granted,” he noted. Dr. Menelas Nkeshimana also underscored the critical role of health and well-being, highlighting that a strong foundation in both is key to achieving sustainable development and long-term success
Habinshuti Egide, Executive Director of TICO, emphasized that programs like EDF play a critical role in equipping young people with the skills to design, develop, and successfully fund their projects. He noted that TICO is particularly committed to supporting youth from underserved communities, ensuring they gain the knowledge and confidence needed to create their own employment opportunities and not be left behind.
He further highlighted that TICO continues to follow up on participants’ projects and will provide additional support whenever resources are available. The program has trained young people across key sectors including agriculture, arts and creative industries, and technology. In addition, TICO is actively collaborating with the Ministry of Youth and Arts (MoYA) to expand opportunities for young people through initiatives such as YouthConnekt.
Through programs like EDF, TICO continues to expand its role as a platform that connects young people with opportunities, skills, and partners. The EDF Cohort 3 Graduation stands as a powerful reminder that with the right support, determination, and creativity, young people can turn small beginnings into lasting impact.