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In a world where over one billion tonnes of food are wasted annually, and 783 million people face hunger, two young Ugandan innovators are making strides towards a solution.
Sandra Namboozo (26) and Samuel Muyita (27), founders of Karpolax, have created a plant-based sachet that extends the shelf life of fresh fruit by up to 30 days.
This biodegradable preservation solution has earned them a place in the top 10 of the Young Inventors Prize 2025, also known as Tomorrow Shapers.
The prestigious award recognises young innovators who address global challenges, and Namboozo and Muyita were selected from 450 candidates by an independent jury.
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The World Wildlife Fund reports that nearly 40% of food produced globally does not reach the market, contributing to both food insecurity and environmental degradation. Namboozo and Muyita, who both grew up in farming families, witnessed the significant impact of post-harvest losses on small-scale farmers.
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This experience motivated them to find an affordable, natural alternative to synthetic preservatives, ultimately leading to the development of their innovative sachets.
The sachets release a blend of plant-derived volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as clove, lemongrass, eucalyptus, and wintergreen. These compounds slow ripening, prevent spoilage, and protect against mould, fungi, and bacteria.
By inhibiting the production of ethylene, the gas responsible for fruit ripening, their solution helps to extend freshness without resorting to harmful chemicals.
Pilot tests with Uganda’s National Agricultural Research Organization demonstrated that mangoes stored with the sachets remained fresh for 33 days, compared to just 11 days without the sachets. Their solution has since been tested with other fruits, including bananas, apples, and oranges.
The affordable price of Karpolax’s sachets makes them ideal for smallholder farmers and local markets, offering a cost-effective way to reduce food waste and improve farmers’ earnings.
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“Farmers are one of our biggest customer groups. We wanted to use our knowledge and technical skills to develop something that would not just remain a theory but be practical and useful to people,” said Namboozo.
The duo met at Makerere University in Kampala, where their shared goal of reducing food waste led to the founding of Karpolax in 2020.
They now aim to expand across Africa, targeting Kenya, Rwanda, and other countries. “Starting from zero, we had to source the funding ourselves. However, with support from our university supervisors, we gained confidence that we could succeed,” said Muyita.
Since its launch, Karpolax has worked with over 100 farmers, 20 exporters, and 250 market vendors. The company is also expanding its product line to include sachets designed for pineapples, capsicum, and berries.
By supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Karpolax’s work helps advance SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by reducing food waste and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by encouraging sustainable food preservation practices.
The winners of the 2025 Young Inventors Prize will be announced during a livestreamed ceremony from Iceland on June 18, 2025.