KAMPALA, Uganda— Two young Ugandan scientists, Sandra Namboozo, 26, and Samuel Muyita, 27, have been named among the top 10 finalists for the prestigious 2025 Young Inventors Prize awarded by the European Patent Office (EPO).
Their innovative plant-based, biodegradable sachet extends the shelf life of fresh fruit by up to 30 days, gaining international recognition for its impact on food preservation, climate action and sustainable agriculture.
Namboozo and Muyita, co-founders of Karpolax, developed the sachet in response to significant post-harvest losses faced by smallholder farmers in Uganda. Both graduates of Makerere University and raised in farming families, they witnessed firsthand the economic and emotional toll of produce spoiling before reaching the market.
Their invention addresses a local agricultural challenge with global implications. According to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), food loss and waste account for 8% to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) estimates that up to 40% of food produced globally never reaches consumers. Karpolax’s sachets offer a timely solution, currently preserving produce like bananas, apples and oranges, with trials underway for pineapples, berries and capsicum.
Namboozo, who also works with the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), is a vocal advocate for youth-led innovation in climate and sustainability. “We wanted to create a solution that was not only affordable but also environmentally friendly. Our sachets are made entirely from biodegradable, plant-based materials,” she said.
Former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi publicly celebrated the duo, stating on social media: “Proud moment for Uganda! Congratulations to Sandra Namboozo and Samuel Muyita… Your innovation is a triumph of creativity and purpose. To all young Ugandans: let this be your inspiration — dream big, think boldly, and be the solution our world needs.”
The winners of the 2025 Young Inventors Prize are set to be announced June 18 during a live ceremony streamed from Iceland. Public voting remains open, and supporters are encouraged to cast their votes for Namboozo and Muyita’s innovation.
