RAN supported two innovators (Akorion and M-Omulimisa) with scaling support through a nine-month innovation acceleration initiative between 2018-2019 with funding from USAID. This support aimed to help both to scale their agricultural technology solutions. The project demonstrated an approach to innovation support, moving beyond conventional incubation to provide tailored, hands-on assistance addressing the specific bottlenecks each innovator faced in their growth trajectory.

For Akorion, which had developed EzyAgric – a digital platform connecting farmers to markets, inputs, and advisory services – the support focused on scaling operations, refining their business model, and strengthening data analytics capabilities. RAN provided technical assistance in user experience design to make the platform more accessible to farmers with limited digital literacy, facilitated partnerships with farmer cooperatives and agro-dealers for last-mile reach, and supported the development of impact measurement frameworks to demonstrate value to various stakeholders.

For M-Omulimisa, which offered a mobile-based agricultural extension service, the support emphasized content development, service delivery optimization, and sustainability planning. RAN assisted in creating localized agricultural content in multiple languages, developing training modules for extension agents using the platform, and exploring revenue models including premium services and public-private partnerships.

The project used an “innovation partner” model, with RAN team members embedded temporarily within the innovation teams to provide just-in-time support while building internal capacity. This approach included regular innovation coaching sessions, access to Makerere University’s technical expertise in agriculture and ICT, and connections to potential investors and corporate partners.