• 50 students engaged across 5 universities
• $5,000 CAD in prizes and support awarded
• 5 days of workshops, mentorship, and pitching

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From August 11–15, 2025, Brilliant Catalyst proudly delivered its first Entrepreneurship Sandbox pilot in Lusaka, Zambia, in collaboration with the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB) and High Commission of the Republic of Zambia in Canada.

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Over 50 students from five public universities, including The University of Zambia, Mulungushi University, Chalimbana University, Kwame Nkrumah University and Palabana University, took part in design thinking, venture development and leadership sessions, culminating in a high-energy final pitch competition.

Program Highlights

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• Five days of interactive workshops, mentorship, and team collaboration
• More than ten early-stage venture ideas pitched at the final showcase
• Up to $5,000 CAD in financial support awarded to student teams
• Engagement from mentors and judges representing leading organizations in both Zambia and Canada

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The program concluded with a high-energy pitch competition, where students presented their ventures to a panel of expert judges and received live feedback.

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Congratulations to the winning teams:

• First Place: Labverse- Solid (Emmanuel Phiri, Enoch Simfukwe, Mannase Chewe, & Towani Mwanza)
• Second Place: AgroSync (Donald Mazole, Festus Mwape, & Lucky Mumba)
• Third Place: Odini (Enos Malunga)

Guest Speakers and Judges

A special thank you to our guest judges and speakers who inspired and challenged students throughout the program:

• Solomon Ngoma (National Technology and Business Centre): Final Pitch Judge and Start-Up Finance Workshop
• Gabriel Musentekwa (Zambia Development Agency): Zambian Business Landscape Session
• Faith S. Kaoma (Copper Rose Zambia): Final Pitch Judge
• Ruth Kayira Mooto (My Perfect Stitch): Role of the Founder Workshop

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We are also grateful to the HELSB team, including Kasikwa Chizi Gondwe, Fred Kanshamba, and Choolwe Sikasamba-Bwalya, for their leadership and partnership.

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We extend our sincere gratitude to the High Commission of the Republic of Zambia in Canada, and especially to Mr. Aaron Pendwe, for his invaluable support in organizing this program.

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Looking Ahead

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This pilot demonstrated the transformative power of international collaboration in entrepreneurship education, and we are excited to build on this foundation to support the next generation of innovators.

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The future of entrepreneurship in Zambia is bright, and Brilliant Catalyst is proud to play a role in nurturing it.

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QUOTES

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"We warmly applaud Brilliant Catalyst for its outstanding role in empowering Zambian youth with vital entrepreneurial skills and vision, in partnership with the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB). Through this collaborative initiative, 50 students from five public universities: Palabana University, Chalimbana University, Mulungushi University, Kwame Nkrumah University, and the University of Zambia. who were guided to foster an entrepreneurial mindset, with each student receiving personalized support.

The dedication and effort invested by Brilliant Catalyst is greatly valued. The creativity, innovation, and determination displayed by the participating youth proved how powerful the right opportunities can be. The Entrepreneurship Sandbox created an inspiring environment where young minds could nurture ideas, refine strategies, and develop impactful solutions.

Among the diverse range of student projects were travel companion applications, initiatives to expand laboratory access for remote schools, and agri-tech solutions, each highlighting the ingenuity and potential of Zambia’s youth to address genuine local challenges.This program strongly supports the Zambian Government’s commitment to promoting youth entrepreneurship, preparing graduates with the innovative thinking essential for success in today’s economic landscape.

The Zambia High Commission in Canada is dedicated to sustaining and expanding this initiative, aiming to make it an annual event that welcomes even more promising young innovators nationwide. Platforms of this nature are crucial in nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit needed to power Zambia’s sustainable development.

We sincerely thank all those involved for this transformative initiative and eagerly anticipate continued collaboration to shape Zambia’s future generation of innovators and entrepreneurs."

– Mr. Aaron C. Pendwe, First Secretary Education

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“The Entrepreneurship Sandbox pilot program in the Republic of Zambia was a resounding success and demonstrates the Brilliant Catalyst’s commitment to building and supporting entrepreneurial communities global. We look forward to future opportunities to drive economic growth and innovation domestically and internationally with our world-class network of partners and collaborators”.

– Connor Loughlean, Brilliant Catalyst Manager, Programs & Operations

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"Ontario Tech University's Brilliant Catalyst is proud to partner with the HESLB in Zambia and Zambia's High Commissioner in Canada to present the Sandbox program in Zambia. As part of the university's Office of the Vice-President Research and Innovation, the Brilliant Catalyst team focuses on building the entrepreneurial mindset in all of its activities. By learning about the Zambian entrepreneurial ecosystem and sharing some of the best practices in the Canadian ecosystem, participants in Zambia will be able to put entrepreneurial fundamentals into practice. Our plans are to make this pilot a starting point for a sustainable series of similar programming with our Zambian colleagues in the future."

– Dr. Osman Hamid, Executive Director, Innovation & Entrepreneurship

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