SMART projects

2026-2027 Projects

All projects are open to both undergraduate and graduate students with strong academic backgrounds. Specific areas of interest are listed under each project description.

Applications are open until September 16.
Apply today!

Research & market assessments around shea products to develop a scalable community development model.

Proposed Field dates:Jan. 5 –16, 2027, Uganda
Excellent project for students interested in: Applied Economics and Management, Global Development, International Development, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Community Development

Develop a systems-based solution for collecting, integrating and analyzing high-frequency environmental, socioeconomic and governance data to strengthen carbon project governance and inform climate-smart development interventions.

Field dates: Jan. 6 –15, 2027, Kenya
Excellent project for students interested in: International Development, Data Analytics, Digital Agriculture, Economics, Climate finance, Policy.

Investigate South Africa’s economic empowerment programs’ contributions to growth, sustainability and competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly those owned by historically disadvantaged groups.

Field dates: Jan 10 –16, 2027, South Africa
Excellent project for students interested in: Emerging markets, Policy analysis, Economic development, Business strategy, Operations research, Statistics, and/or Family Business dynamics

Using artificial intelligence systems to reduce natural resource conflicts across six Sahelian countries.

Proposed field dates: Jan 19-21, 2027, Washington DC.
Excellent project for students interested in: International Development, Economics, finance, Government, Peace Studies, Climate Change, Data Analytics & AI.

Develop a digital archive documenting USA for Africa’s history and grantmaking practices while investigating the sustainability of celebrity-led humanitarian initiatives and identify best practices for grantmaking organizations.

Field dates: Feb 14 –16, 2027, New York, NY
Excellent project for students interested in: International Development, Marketing, Global Development, History, Sociology, Music, Communication & Media studies, Public Policy, Africana Studies, Nonprofit management

Develop a multi-institutional business plan that will enable leadership to develop strategies for expanding the reach of its products while preserving its cultural and environmental values the community shares.

Field dates: Mar 27 – Apr 2, 2027, Ecuador
Excellent project for students interested in: Business Strategy, International Development, Marketing, Nonprofit management, Food science, Entrepreneurship, Law, Graphic design, Communications

Transform a chicha based “ice cream” recipe into a high-quality, market-ready product line by improving the product’s formulation, functionality, sensory qualities and consistency while maintaining its distinctive characteristics.

Field dates: Mar.27 – Apr.2, 2027 , Ecuador
Excellent project for students interested in: Food Science, Product development, International marketing, Environmental engineering, Law, Microbiology

2025-2026 projects

Wan Ja Shan: Soy sauce industry strategy in Taiwan

Students conducted a diagnostic-prescriptive study of Taiwan’s soy sauce industry to understand viable growth/marketing strategies for Wan Ja Shan. The project included interviews with owner/managers, industry analysis, competitive analysis and literature review on Asian family business dynamics.

Wowzi: Scaling social commerce in Kenya

Students developed a social commerce model leveraging micro-influencers and digital tools to capture 30% of East Africa’s ecotourism market. The project included market analysis, competitor research and participation in a multi-institutional hackathon for AI-driven interventions.

Reimagining Kenyan ecotourism in a digital era

Students developed digital assets and market-based solutions to enhance Kenya’s ecotourism sector. The project included needs-based research, identification of digital products for low-impact travel and participation in a hackathon for sustainable financing models.

Culture to cones: Sustainable food ventures in Ecuador

Students developed a product strategy for chicha ice cream made from yuca. The project involved creating a compelling product line that aligns with international marketing strategies and sustainable consumption trends while celebrating Kichwa cultural identity.

SMART scoops: Enhancing chicha ice cream nutrition in Ecuador

Students identified nutritional enhancements for chicha ice cream using Amazonian nuts, seeds and berries. They develop educational material for a digital marketing campaign that honors Kichwa cultural heritage while creating marketable products in this project.

Community-driven carbon sequestration database in Kenya

Students developed a market-based solution for a carbon sequestration database system using AI and social influencers. The platform will collect data on climate-smart practices, track indicators and propose aggregation strategies for carbon credit certification and trading.

Enhancing community participation in carbon markets in Kenya

Students developed a comprehensive understanding of how current legislation is promoting carbon market development in Kenya. The project proposed a framework for developing High Social Integrity Credits (HICC) system, identified key indicators for carbon tracking and proposed a viable aggregation strategy (e.g., farmers coop) to improve data collection, certification, issuance and trading of credits. Partner: African Agency for Inclusive Innovation and Development (AIID).

Establishing best practices for East African cooperatives in Kenya

Students examined the application of cooperative principles within Kenya’s evolving cooperative environment. Through interviews with leaders of dairy, financial and transport cooperatives, the project assessed the relevance and effectiveness of principles to address complex challenges facing cooperatives.

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