Turning organic waste into mushrooms - ISS students win social enterprise competition

As part of their course MA course in Promotion of Local Development, students at the International Institute of Social Studies were asked to come up with an idea for a social enterprise that would solve a local problem with a financially sustainable enterprise, which should use their social networks and be environmentally sustainable.

A number of students from the course, alongside students from other universities, participated in a training programme organized by THUAS, ISS, International Centre for Frugal Innovation and WorldStartup. This series of social entrepreneurship workshops culminated in a thrilling competition at THUAS during which nine teams pitched their ideas. 

First prize and runner up

KEPT Farms

First prize went to this team with students from ISS which presented its plan to use coconut waste to grow organic mushrooms in Ghana. The enterprise aims to create income, reuse waste and produce healthy food for a population in need.

The team also presented its idea to WorldStartup and has since been invited to join the Changemaker Platform which will provide a one-year mentorship training programme.

Waste pickers in Indonesia

Runner-up was another ISS student who presented her plan to provide a brighter future for waste pickers in Indonesia through specialized training programmes.

Congratulations to all winners and participants with their inspiring ideas for a more sustainable, socially inclusive society.