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lab of tomorrow - new ways to new business

The lab of tomorrow fosters the development of new business-driven solutions for specific problems affecting developing and emerging countries.

On behalf of the German Federal Government, we bring together European and in-country companies, customers and specialists to collaborate on developing successful business ideas for solving countries’ problems, such as the supply of medicines in Kenya or rural electrification in Uganda.

Three things make the lab special:

The lab operates in the real world: practical solutions are identified and developed for a real problem.
The lab is creative: its extraordinary blend of participants from different backgrounds turns out highly innovative business ideas.
The lab is cooperative: companies pool their resources to jointly develop business models.

These factors realised in seven labs have given rise to 42 promising business ideas.

The lab of tomorrow creates business ideas and inspires all kinds of companies – from the small IT start-up to global players such as Merck and Siemens – to solve a specific problem affecting a developing or emerging country.

Curious? Feel free to contact us, share your ideas and join the lab of tomorrow community!

Currently running and completed challenges

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Success stories

A joint project between DHL, GIZ on behalf of BMZ and Wingcopter makes it possible.

3. LAB OF TOMORROW

Deliver Future has the potential to revolutionise medical supply in rural Africa

The President of Zambia has declared the promotion of e-government as one of the priorities of his presidency; giving ZAMeT, a mobile-based electronic tax system, a great push.

1. LAB OF TOMORROW

ZAMeT - a prototype taking big steps in Zambia

The next phase in the battle against non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Nairobi, Kenya launched in May 2017.

5. LAB OF TOMORROW

Reality check in Kenya – a quiz on health

In Kenya an estimated 64% of the local mango production are wasted every year. Wheeling Foods aims to reduce the waste by producing high quality mango powder from the unwanted fruits.

2. LAB OF TOMORROW

Wheeling Fruits

Testimonials

“The lab of tomorrow is a great window into structured innovation, inspiring & active. It was a great opportunity to meet collaborative people from multiple sectors.”

Dr. Mohamed A. Aziz Abed
Consultant with TÜV Nord Egypt & Ministry of Tourism, Lecturer at October 6 University and Trainer at Egyptian Tourism Federation
„The lab of tomorrow is about new opportunities and being inspired by people from other countries, with a multicultural approach, needed in the tourism industry! I need more and soon :)”

Ainhoa Raso Canals
Senior Consultant at Cegos Spain
„The lab of tomorrow is doing great things together“

Ahmed Farrag
Head of Operations at TUI Hotels & Resorts
“The lab of tomorrow gives the chance for rapidly quick solution processes for the issues that move us!”

Lars Fiechel
Head of the GIZ project “Enhancement of the Egyptian Dual System (EEDS)”
"The lab of tomorrow is a truly enriching experience and a demonstration of the value of teamwork in generating solutions with people from diverse backgrounds. A great experience.“

Elizabeth Ogaja
Health minister of the county Kisumu (Kenya)
"The lab of tomorrow brings together companies from Europe and Africa and creates new ideas."

Günter Nooke
Personal Representative of the German Chancellor for Africa in the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
"The lab of tomorrow – Let’s talk energy!“

Magoola Baker Kirunda & Alinc Nurcan
Corporate Communications Manager - Kainyara Sugar Limited (Kirunda) & Business Development Manager Ugandan Manufacturer Association UMA - CIM Expert (Nurcan)
“The lab of tomorrow - Excellent methodology, dedication, innovations and results. Keep it up!”

Berlin Msiska
Former Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) Commissioner-General
"The lab of tomorrow is developing tailor-made solutions for Africa – transferred into business."

Sabine Dall’Omo
CEO at SIEMENS South Africa
"The lab of tomorrow is a very innovative method for developing solutions with companies worldwide."

Dr. Christoph Beier
Vice-chair of the management board of Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ)