environment 31 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Ugandan Startup Turning Plastic Waste into Fabric Wins National Pitch Competition
A Ugandan startup focused on transforming plastic waste into usable fabric has won the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) Uganda Pitching Competition. The innovative venture will now represent Uganda at the GEC+ Africa Conference in South Africa. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/ugandan-startup-transforming-plastic-waste-into-fabric-wins-entrepreneurship-contest-5480418
A promising Ugandan startup, dedicated to tackling plastic pollution by converting waste into fabric, has emerged victorious in the 2026 Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) Uganda Pitching Competition. This groundbreaking initiative will earn the startup the chance to showcase its work on a continental stage at the GEC+ Africa Conference in Cape Town later this year.
The competition, organized by the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) Uganda in collaboration with Enterprise Uganda, saw the winning startup selected from a pool of over 100 applicants, with 10 finalists presenting their innovative ideas. The victorious venture received Shs2 million and will participate in the continental conference scheduled for September 16-17.
GEN Uganda Managing Director Mary Odongo highlighted the competition’s aim to connect entrepreneurs with mentors, investors, and key stakeholders, thereby strengthening Uganda’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through networking and business support. Carmen Rudd, Managing Director of GEN South Africa, emphasized that the GEC+ Africa Conference serves as a crucial platform for African entrepreneurs to share experiences, foster growth, and discuss vital topics such as sustainable development, climate innovation, and digital transformation.
Other notable participants included Kyuka Ventures Innovation Hub, awarded first runner-up for their work in the energy sector, and health-tech startup Dada Innovations, securing second runner-up. The event underscored the importance of providing young innovators with a platform to present their impactful ideas and contribute to job creation and community development.
Winning the competition offers the startup invaluable exposure to a wider network of African entrepreneurs, investors, and potential partners, paving the way for future growth and scaling of their eco-friendly textile production. This event is a testament to the growing innovation within Uganda’s startup scene.