In a packed room of young dreamers and innovators, the energy was electric. It was Friday, October 10, 2025, and fifteen promising youth-led projects were being celebrated for their creativity and progress under Imbuto Foundation’s iAccelerator program.

The projects—ranging from health tech to social innovation—were the top scorers out of 40 entries. Ten of them received Rwf 10 million each and months of mentorship to bring their visions to life.

Among them is Kozzy Wellness, a mental health initiative led by Céline Diana Bizimungu, who proudly shared how her team has been visiting schools and communities to raise awareness.

“We’ve met hundreds of young people struggling silently,” she said. “The support we got helped us reach them and connect experts who can make a real difference.”

But not everyone had such luck early on. Marie Ange Raissa Uwamungu, who runs Impanuro Girls Initiative, said missing out on iAccelerator taught her perseverance.

“It took me five years to find a sponsor. Those who get this support instantly should grab it with both hands,” she advised.

For Imbuto Foundation CEO, Élodie Shami, these stories reflect the program’s true purpose — building confidence and capability among youth.

“When we trust young people and equip them, they perform miracles,” she said.

Government leaders echoed that message. Brave Ngabo from the Ministry of Youth said such initiatives are crucial for job creation and national development.

Launched in 2016, iAccelerator continues to prove that when Rwanda’s youth are empowered, innovation thrives — and dreams once written on paper can reshape the nation’s future.