FIT-Hub is an incubator under the Centre for Resilient Agri-Food Systems (CRAFS) at the University of Malawi. It is a dynamic initiative fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, geared toward empowering startups to develop sustainable, scalable, and market-driven solutions through mentorship, training, and access to technology.

Are you a seasoned professional passionate about mentoring the next generation of innovators? FIT-Hub is seeking dedicated mentors to guide incubatees and startups in transforming ideas into sustainable, market-ready businesses.

We are looking for experts with experience in any of the following fields:

• Food Science & Technology

• Agribusiness & Commercialization

• Product Development & Scaling

• Entrepreneurship

• Food Safety

• Value Chain Development

• Marketing and Investment Readiness

• Intellectual Property (IP)

• Other related fields
  

Why Become a Mentor?

Join the University of Malawi’s FIT-Hub in shaping agri-food entrepreneurs. This is a unique opportunity to:

• Guide incubatees and startups in transforming ideas into sustainable, market-ready businesses,

• Share your industry insights and leadership experience,

• Participate in pitch sessions and networking events (virtual or in-person),

• Contribute to the development of Malawi’s agri-food innovation ecosystem.

Your Role as a Mentor

As a mentor, you will:

• Be matched with an incubatee or group of incubatees,

• Commit time for virtual or physical sessions to review plans, strategies, and activities, and 

• Receive a program schedule from FIT-Hub upon your acceptance
  

Expected Responsibilities

As a mentor, you will be expected to:

• Share your expertise in food science, agribusiness, product development, entrepreneurship, marketing, investment readiness, IP, or related fields

• Guide and inspire early-stage innovators through one-on-one or group mentorship (virtual or in-person)

• Help incubatees refine business models, scale products, and navigate commercialization

• Offer networking opportunities, industry insights, and technical advice

• Support product development,  business modelling, and commercialization

Who Are We Looking For?

We are seeking:

• Professionals with industry or entrepreneurial experience in food technology, agribusiness, or innovation,

• Individuals committed to empowering others through knowledge-sharing and mentorship, or 

• Experts willing to commit time to advising, reviewing plans, or speaking at FIT-Hub events

Additional Information

• This is a volunteer position.

• However, a certificate of support will be issued at the end.

• It gives a chance to be a catalyst for positive change in Malawi’s agri-food sector.

How to Apply

Please submit:

• A short biography 

• Your area of expertise/specialization and any previous society contributions

• Your CV
  
  

Application Deadline: 1st August 2025
To apply, please email  your application to crafs@unima.ac.mw