At just 19, Nigerian-born Ifeoluwa Afolayan has claimed first prize at WE Innovate 2025, the prestigious women-led venture competition hosted by Imperial College London. A Master’s student of Design Engineering at Imperial College and the Royal College of Arts, Ifeoluwa stood out for her pioneering work in sustainable agriculture.
Her winning venture, Aeropod (by Muju Earth), is a smart soil-enrichment capsule designed to respond to heavy rainfall by aerating and revitalizing the soil—offering a climate-proof alternative to conventional, intensive farming methods. The project earned her team a €15,000 grant to advance their mission of revolutionizing farming through innovation.
Ifeoluwa, together with teammates Yuchen Cai, Alex Clark, and Ocean Hu, pitched Aeropod during the WE Innovate Grand Final. Their solution won acclaim for its potential to enhance crop resilience, minimize environmental degradation, and empower farmers—especially in vulnerable regions like Nigeria.
“We’re proud to have built something that addresses both climate change and food insecurity,” Ifeoluwa said. “This innovation can reshape agriculture in Nigeria, helping farmers adapt and thrive despite environmental challenges.”
With support from WE Innovate—including coaching, masterclasses, and mentorship—the team is now planning strategic partnerships in Nigeria. Their goal is to deploy Aeropod across farming communities, introducing sustainable crop systems, efficient water use, and climate-resilient techniques.
“Our work is just beginning,” Ifeoluwa added. “With the right collaborations, we aim to scale this impact across Nigeria and globally—creating a more secure and sustainable agricultural future.”
Aeropod (by Muju Earth) shared top honours at WE Innovate 2025 with Dainty Grace, a lingerie startup from Queen’s University Belfast, with both ventures receiving £15,000 each.
