How the JR Biotek Africa Bio-Innovation Challenge Empowered Our Mission for a Cleaner, Greener Future

The Advocate for Clean Climate & Environment Initiative, founded by Dr Bolaji Thanni, is an impact-driven project dedicated to promoting sustainable environmental practices, advocating for climate action, and empowering communities through innovative solutions. Dr Thanni, currently a postdoctoral scientist in Ecology of Plant-Fungal Interactions at the University of Manchester, launched this initiative as part of her commitment to addressing environmental challenges affecting agricultural productivity and public health in Nigeria.
A Platform to Launch Big Ideas
The initiative gained significant recognition when Dr Thanni participated in the JR Biotek Africa Bio-Innovation Pitch Challenge, a flagship programme by JR Biotek Foundation designed to support groundbreaking ideas at the intersection of biotechnology, agriculture, and sustainability in Africa.As one of 17 outstanding Africa-based agricultural scientists, Dr Thanni joined JR Biotek’s first-ever hands-on plant molecular biology laboratory training programme, held at the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, in 2017. This transformative workshop equipped early-career scientists with technical expertise and strategic insights to drive impactful research and innovation across the continent.

Connecting Knowledge, Collaboration, and Policy
Alongside the training, participants engaged in the inaugural Africa Diaspora Biotech Summit, which brought together over 100 delegates from the UK, Africa, and beyond. The summit served as a vibrant platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and policy dialogue on the role of biotechnology in advancing Africa’s development.It also created a space for researchers, innovators, and thought leaders to explore how science-based solutions can drive food security, climate resilience, and economic transformation.
Pitching a Vision for Environmental Change
As part of the Summit, Dr Thanni and other teams took part in the Africa Bio-Innovation Pitch Challenge, presenting their venture ideas to a panel of expert judges. Her project, the Advocate for Clean Climate & Environment Initiative, was awarded the Grand Prize for its outstanding potential to promote environmental sustainability and climate-smart agricultural practices in Nigeria.
This recognition not only validated Dr Thanni’s vision but also gave her the support needed to scale up efforts in policy advocacy, community engagement, and practical climate solutions.

Science into Action: A Legacy of Impact
Today, Dr Thanni continues to champion environmental sustainability through science-based approaches that deliver tangible benefits to communities. Her story exemplifies how initiatives like the Africa Bio-Innovation Pitch Challenge, a cornerstone of JR Biotek Foundation’s mission, are empowering visionary African scientists to turn ideas into impact. Watch Dr Thanni’s testimonial below.
At JR Biotek Foundation, we remain committed to supporting Africa’s brightest minds in developing demand-driven solutions to address pressing challenges in agriculture, sustainability, and climate resilience. Our latest programme, the Agri-Innovation & Impact Project (AGRIIP), is a bold scale-up of this vision, strengthening the connection between farmers, scientists, and policymakers to translate scientific research into real-world action across the continent.

Join the Movement for Impact
Be part of our mission to transform African agriculture through science, innovation, and meaningful collaboration.
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🤝Support our work by becoming a sponsor or making a donation to help us scale our impact, nurture local talent, and build resilient, food-secure communities across the continent.
You can donate directly via our website or through GoFundMe. For alternative ways to give, please contact us at info@jrbiotekfoundation.org