The Consortium for Enhancing University Responsiveness to Agribusiness Development (CURAD) is an innovative, autonomous agribusiness incubator established in 2012 by Makerere University, NUCAFE, and NARO, with support from DANIDA under the FARA-UniBRAIN Programme.

As a public–private partnership initiative, CURAD supports farmers, farmer organizations, agro-entrepreneurs, students, graduates, start-ups, and SMEs to transform ideas into competitive agribusiness enterprises. We are driven by a vision to produce innovative young entrepreneurs and agribusiness leaders who champion productivity, profitability, and job creation in the agricultural sector.

Competitive Enterprises.

Transforming Agriculture Through Innovation.

Since 2012, CURAD has been at the forefront of agribusiness incubation, helping youth, women, farmer groups, and SMEs transform raw ideas into sustainable and profitable ventures. Through tailored mentorship, training, access to finance, and exposure to local and international markets.

Our Programs
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Future Growth.

Creating Agribusiness Leaders of Tomorrow.

CURAD’s mission is to produce innovative and skillful agribusiness leaders who champion productivity and job creation. By bringing together universities, research institutions, farmer organizations, and private sector partners.

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Cutting-Edge Support.

Access Modern Incubation Facilities

From coffee processing at Makerere to fruit and vegetable value addition at Namanve & Kapeka, oilseed development in Iganga, and dairy and meat processing in Jinja, CURAD operates specialized incubation hubs across Uganda.

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Who We Are

The Consortium for Enhancing University Responsiveness to Agribusiness Development (CURAD) is Uganda’s leading agribusiness incubator. Established in 2012, CURAD transforms ideas into competitive enterprises, builds young agripreneurs, and drives productivity, profitability, and job creation in agriculture.

As a public–private partnership initiative, CURAD supports farmers, farmer organizations, agro-entrepreneurs, students, graduates, start-ups, and SMEs to transform ideas into competitive agribusiness enterprises.

Modern Incubation Hubs Across Uganda
2 +
Learners Trained in Business Development
207 +
Youth Mobilized in Agri business
88 +

Opportunities for students

CURAD offers internship opportunities to students and fresh graduates. Over time,CURAD has hosted over 456 students through its internship programs, providing valuable experiential learning opportunities. These include 430 diploma and undergraduate students, 21 master’s students, and 5 international students from countries such as Nigeria, Denmark, the USA, and France.

The program offers hands-on exposure in critical areas such as product development, SME support, financial literacy, and value chain operations. It has also attracted participation from all universities in Uganda offering agricultural courses, whose students now form part of the growing CURAD Alumni Network. This immersive approach not only enhances academic learning but also equips students with practical skills.

Students Opportunities
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1,200+ Entrepreneurs Trained

Curad

12+ Years of Impact

Our Vision

To be East Africa’s leading incubator of young innovative agribusiness entrepreneurs, creating wealth and jobs in the region.

Our Mission

To empower youth and women to build successful, scalable, and resilient agribusinesses by providing adaptive incubation, investment readiness, market access, and value chain integration through a transformative ecosystem that drives sustainable livelihoods and inclusive economic growth.

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Our Vision

To empower youth and women to build successful, scalable, and resilient agribusinesses by providing adaptive incubation, investment readiness, market access, and value chain integration through a transformative ecosystem that drives sustainable livelihoods and inclusive economic growth.d

Our Mission

To empower youth and women to build successful, scalable, and resilient agribusinesses by providing adaptive incubation, investment readiness, market access, and value chain integration through a transformative ecosystem that drives sustainable livelihoods and inclusive economic growth.

More About Us

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Our Programs

NSSF Hi-Innovator Program

The NSSF Hi-Innovator Program is a flagship entrepreneurship support initiative of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Uganda, implemented in partnership with Mastercard Foundation. The program is designed to identify, nurture, and scale promising Ugandan entrepreneurs and youth-led enterprises through a combination of business training, mentorship, seed financing, and market linkages.

Through the Hi-Innovator Program, CURAD has contributed to:

  • Trained 1,224 learners in Business Development Services and Facilitating access to seed funding for youth-led businesses.
  • Supporting 47 agribusiness entrepreneurs to refine and scale their enterprises unlocking USD 940,000
  • Promoting enterprise formalization and improved access to finance and structured markets.
  • Strengthening youth employment and women’s participation in Uganda’s agribusiness ecosystem
  • Enabling enterprises in Transport Health, Agriculture, Energy, Digital Economy, Technology , Light Manufacturing and Fashion & Beauty value chains to expand production, create jobs, and strengthen market competitiveness.
How to Join the Hi-Innovator Program Through CURAD

Enroll in the Hi-Innovator Business Foundational Course through CURAD and gain access to seed funding , expert mentorship  to set your business up for lasting success, giving you the skills, guidance, and resources needed to transform your enterprise and achieve sustainable growth.

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What We Offer

CURAD provides end-to-end business incubation support to help entrepreneurs grow, formalize, and scale their agribusiness enterprises.

Business Development Support

Training, finance access, mentoring, legal/IP, marketing & partnerships.

Enterprise Support & Soft Landing

Affordable office space, production equipment, internet etc

Value Addition & Commercialization

Agro-processing, branding, IP management, and market readiness.

Incubation Centres & Value Chains

Specialized hubs in coffee, fruits, vegetables, oilseeds, meat, and dairy.

Learn More About Us

CURAD Partners with Agripreneurship Alliance

CURAD partners with Agripreneurship Alliance, a Swiss-based non-profit dedicated to empowering young African entrepreneurs to grow successful agribusinesses. This collaboration strengthens support for young agripreneurs through enhanced mentorship, incubation, and business development guidance. Together, we are committed to fostering innovation, creating opportunities, and driving sustainable agribusiness growth in Uganda.

Our Latest Blog

Stay ahead of the curve with our Blog. Get valuable insights and practical advice on industry trends and topics. Join the conversation and stay informed.

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