The Orange Corners Sudan incubation program, implemented by 249Startups in collaboration with the Kingdom of the Netherlands, has unveiled the standout entrepreneurs of its eighth cohort. As Sudan navigates a complex period of recovery and economic reconstruction, this new batch of founders is focusing on high-impact sectors, particularly food innovation and sustainable agriculture, to address critical community needs and public health challenges.
Pioneering Gluten-Free Solutions for Vulnerable Communities
Among the selected participants is Eiman Ibrahim, founder of DR. Dough, an innovative Sudanese food brand that has already secured three patents for gluten-free product development. The startup specializes in creating affordable, nutritionally optimized functional flour blends designed for individuals with celiac disease, as well as elderly and vulnerable populations. Similarly, Razan Sabri Mohamed founded Narouz Food Manufacturing following her own celiac diagnosis, transforming a personal health challenge into a business that provides safe, wheat-free alternatives for the Sudanese market.
Advancing Sustainable Meat Alternatives
The cohort also features Fadwa Al-Rasheed, the founder of Taste Meat, a venture dedicated to the development of plant-based meat alternatives. Using locally sourced Sudanese ingredients, the project aims to replicate the taste and texture of traditional meat while promoting public health and sustainable agricultural practices. By reducing reliance on conventional meat sources, Taste Meat seeks to stabilize food supply chains and introduce a more environmentally friendly dietary option to the regional market.
Fostering Resilience Through Ecosystem Support
The Orange Corners Sudan program provides a six-month incubation framework that includes intensive training, masterclasses, and access to a wide network of mentors and potential investors. Beyond the technical curriculum, the program serves as a bridge between youth-led startups and the private sector, supported by partners like Haggar Group and Elnefeidi Group. By focusing on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the program aims to equip Sudanese youth with the resilience and tools necessary to scale their business concepts into sustainable ventures that drive national economic growth.
About Orange Corners Sudan
Orange Corners Sudan is an initiative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, managed locally by 249Startups. The program is part of a global network that provides young entrepreneurs (aged 18-35) with the training, facilities, and networks required to start and grow their businesses. In Sudan, the hub plays a vital role in strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem by offering office space, legal and administrative consulting, and access to the Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF), which provides seed funding to promising startups.
Source: LinkedIn
