Ifeoluwa Afolayan, a 19-year-old Nigerian pursuing a Master’s degree in Design Engineering at Imperial College London and the Royal College of Arts, has achieved a remarkable feat by winning the first prize at the 2025 WE Innovate Grand Final in the United Kingdom. Her winning innovation, Aeropod (by Muju Earth), is a climate-proof capsule designed to enrich and aerate soil during periods of heavy rainfall, addressing the challenges faced by farmers due to intensive farming practices and climate vulnerability. This groundbreaking solution earned Afolayan and her team, comprising Yuchen Cai, Alex Clark, and Ocean Hu, a prize of €15,000 (approximately N21.6 million) through Imperial College London’s pre-accelerator program for women-led ventures.
Aeropod’s ingenious design tackles the detrimental effects of heavy rainfall on soil health by providing a protective barrier that prevents soil erosion and compaction. The capsule’s unique structure allows for air circulation within the soil, promoting healthy microbial activity and root development, essential for optimal plant growth. This innovation holds immense potential for revolutionizing agricultural practices, particularly in regions like Nigeria, where erratic weather patterns pose a significant threat to farming and food security. By empowering farmers with sustainable soil regeneration tools, Aeropod contributes to enhanced crop yields and improved resilience against climate change impacts.
The judges at the WE Innovate Grand Final lauded Aeropod for its potential to mitigate environmental degradation while simultaneously boosting food productivity. The project’s focus on sustainability and its direct applicability to addressing the challenges faced by farmers in climate-vulnerable regions resonated strongly with the judging panel. Afolayan’s vision for Aeropod extends beyond its immediate impact on soil health, encompassing a broader goal of promoting climate-resilient farming techniques and innovative crop management systems.
WE Innovate, an initiative of Imperial College London, played a pivotal role in Afolayan’s success by providing her with comprehensive support throughout the development and scaling of her venture. The program’s resources, including masterclasses, coaching sessions, and business support, equipped Afolayan with the necessary tools and knowledge to refine her innovation and navigate the complexities of launching a successful startup. The recognition and financial backing received through WE Innovate have significantly propelled Aeropod’s trajectory towards achieving its ambitious goals.
Afolayan’s achievement serves as a testament to the power of innovation and resilience in addressing critical global challenges. Her dedication to developing sustainable solutions for agriculture underscores the potential of young entrepreneurs to drive positive change. With the grant secured through the WE Innovate program, Afolayan and her team plan to collaborate with a Nigerian firm to introduce Aeropod and its associated climate-resilient farming techniques to the country. This strategic partnership will enable them to effectively implement their solution and maximize its impact on local farming communities.
Afolayan’s unwavering belief in the transformative potential of Aeropod drives her vision for a more sustainable and climate-proof agricultural landscape in Nigeria. She envisions a future where farmers are empowered with the tools and knowledge to thrive in the face of climate change, ensuring food security for generations to come. Through continued mentorship, strategic partnerships, and unwavering determination, Afolayan is poised to make a significant and lasting contribution to the agricultural sector in Nigeria and beyond, paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable future.
