The UNESCO x ONEPLANET hackathon, dubbed “WEF Nexus Hackathon”, held on 30th of July 2025, was a melting pot of ideas, passion, and transformative solutions for sustainable development. Over the course of the event, the room buzzed with the energy of young minds exchanging bold ideas, testing prototypes, and challenging each other to think bigger.

Students from diverse backgrounds came together, each armed with innovative concepts designed to address pressing challenges in water, energy, and food sustainability. Among the standout participants was Calvin Kinyanjui, who teamed up with Dhanushi Savla, Quinter Mworia and Frankline Kiptoo, a cocktail of three students ( Electrical Engineering students) and one staff member from the university ( the latter), to pitch Kukua Collective, from the Swahili word “kukua” meaning “growth.” Their innovation aimed at empowering smallholder farmers in Kenya through smart agricultural cooperatives. 

How are they doing that?

For smallholder farmers in Kenya, dependency on rain-fed agriculture is a relentless struggle. Erratic rainfall, exploitative credit systems, and the lack of cooperative support have long stifled their productivity and earnings. Drawing inspiration from farmers’ by firsthand accounts the team crafted Kukua Collective to bridge these gaps. Their model envisions smart cooperatives that provide access to micro-loans to break the cycle of predatory lending, digital marketplaces to connect farmers directly with buyers, agro-training programs to enhance skills and knowledge, and smart irrigation systems to reduce dependence on erratic weather. The goal is to spark sustainable growth, restore dignity, and create thriving farming communities where opportunity is no longer dictated by the seasons.

The hackathon was a whirlwind of creativity and collaboration. From refining the pitch deck to rehearsing under tight deadlines, every moment was a test of resilience. The judges, composed of industry experts and sustainability leaders, probed the feasibility and scalability of the idea. Questions like “How will you ensure farmer adoption?” and *“What’s your path to financial sustainability?”* pushed the team to think deeper. Yet, with clarity and conviction, Calvin Kinyanjui articulated how Kukua Collective could revolutionize Kenya’s agricultural sector contributing to food security, youth empowerment, and climate resilience.  

Winning 2nd place was a validation of the idea’s potential, but the real victory lay in the connections forged. The hackathon brought together like-minded innovators, mentors, and potential partners who shared a common goal: driving sustainable development. Conversations with judges and peers revealed new perspectives on leveraging technology and partnerships, while feedback from farmers in the audience added invaluable grassroots insights.  

The experience was a masterclass in innovation and adaptability. Key lessons included: The power of storytelling: A compelling narrative can turn a good idea into a winning pitch. Collaboration is key: Diverse team strengths and mentor guidance were instrumental in refining the solution. Resilience pays off: Overcoming last-minute technical glitches and tough questions builds confidence.  

The hackathon was just the beginning. With a validated concept and a growing network, Calvin Kinyanjui is now focused on piloting Kukua Collective in rural counties like Makueni. The dream? To scale a model that not only boosts crop yields but also empowers communities to thrive sustainably.  

Article written by: Jemmy M. Kamau