A 19-year-old Nigerian innovator, Ifeoluwa Afolayan, has earned top honours at the 2025 WE Innovate Grand Final — the flagship pre-accelerator programme at Imperial College London dedicated to supporting ventures led by women.
Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Design Engineering at both Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art, Ifeoluwa and her team clinched one of the first-place prizes, receiving a £15,000 grant to further develop their innovative solution in sustainable agriculture.
Her project, Aeropod — created under the startup Muju Earth — impressed judges with its climate-resilient approach to farming.
The Aeropod is a soil-enriching capsule that activates during heavy rainfall, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional, intensive farming methods.
The invention is aimed at improving soil quality, supporting climate adaptation, and enhancing crop yields in regions vulnerable to climate change.
Ifeoluwa, alongside teammates Yuchen Cai, Alex Clark, and Ocean Hu, presented their solution to a panel of industry experts at the WE Innovate Grand Final.
The programme offers participants access to mentorship, expert coaching, and business support to help launch their ideas into viable ventures.
Speaking after the win, Ifeoluwa expressed gratitude for the recognition and outlined her commitment to transforming agriculture, particularly in Nigeria.
“I’m incredibly honoured to be part of WE Innovate and to have received this award,” she said.
“This innovation can change the face of agriculture in Nigeria by helping farmers adapt to climate shifts while ensuring long-term food security.”
With the £15,000 grant and continued support from WE Innovate, the team plans to collaborate with local partners in Nigeria to bring the Aeropod technology to smallholder farmers.
Their goal is to introduce sustainable farming practices, strengthen food systems, and contribute to Nigeria’s environmental goals.
“Our aim is to deliver practical solutions that empower farmers and protect our environment,” Ifeoluwa added.
“Through partnerships and innovation, we believe we can make a meaningful impact in Nigeria and beyond.”
The Aeropod initiative stood out among several groundbreaking projects at the competition.
Another top prize winner, Dainty Grace from Queen’s University Belfast, also received £15,000 for its innovative lingerie startup.
