Kenyan innovators shortlisted for 2024 Earthshot Prize

Keep It Cool, a Kenyan company tackling refrigeration and cold-chain logistics shortlisted for the 2024 Earthshot Prize. [Courtesy]

Kenyan innovators are among the finalists for the 2024 Earthshot Prize, a prestigious award recognising solutions to environmental challenges.

The event, held on September 24, in New York during the third annual Earthshot Innovation Summit in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies, announced 15 finalists selected from nearly 2,500 nominations across 139 countries.

The 15 finalists are in the running for five £1 million prizes to be awarded at The Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony in Cape Town, South Africa, on November 6.

 "Today, we celebrate the incredible achievement, unwavering dedication and urgent optimism that drives our fourth class of Earthshot innovators," said Prince William, Founder and President of The Earthshot Prize, in a statement. 

"The passion of these finalists is a testament to what can be achieved when we tap into the enormous creativity, ingenuity and optimism of communities around the world."

Among the finalists is Keep It Cool, a Kenyan company tackling refrigeration and cold-chain logistics across Africa.

The company offers solar-powered refrigeration solutions that reduce post-harvest waste by 25 per cent.

The prize focuses on innovative solutions aligned with five key goals: Protect and Restore Nature, Clean Our Air, Revive Our Oceans, Build A Waste-Free World and Fix Our Climate.

Winners will be chosen by Prince William and a diverse group of council members, including HRH Prince William and Cate Blanchett.

The 2024 Earthshot Prize winners will be announced during Earthshot Week, which brings together global leaders, investors and organisations to discuss opportunities for climate solutions.

  Each finalist will receive mentorship and resources to help grow their solutions through the Earthshot Prize Fellowship Programme.