Thought Into Action (TIA) programs attract students who identify a problem and have the passion, drive, and determination to solve it. Agnes Ndanu ’28 is a strong example of TIA’s spirit. In her first year of the TIA Incubator, the MajiSafi Solutions founder has accomplished what only one TIA student has before: being accepted to compete in the Fowler Global Social Innovation Challenge (GSIC). The Fowler GSIC aims to connect and amplify ventures around the world led by student entrepreneurs motivated by social issues. The competition favors ventures that display positive impact and financial sustainability.
“It took me a couple of hours to get through [the application]. I think the most difficult part of the process was the required multiple essays,” recalled Ndanu.
She will compete for a grand prize of $25,000 — a portion of the $700,000 that the Fowler challenge has distributed to students around the world since 2011. MajiSafi Solutions’ mission is to end water scarcity by drilling sustainable boreholes into deep aquifers and ensure reliable, clean water for communities facing challenges. Since its establishment, Ndanu’s venture has gathered ecological data from the village of Kiongwani in Makueni, Kenya, located a borehole site, made agreements with a drilling company, and received donations of materials. Her commitment to sustainably combatting water inequality in historically underserved areas makes Ndanu a great candidate for the Fowler GSIC.
“One of the requirements for this competition was that the venture has to address at least one UN sustainable development goal, and for MajiSafi Solutions, that is clean water and sanitation,” said Ndanu.
Right before heading to San Diego for the Fowler, Ndanu will be competing in the 2026 TIA Entrepreneur Showcase in front of a distinguished panel of founders and funders as judges. Pitching at the showcase, with a community of peers and mentors beside her, will serve as a warm-up to the Fowler GSIC. However, this won’t be a new experience for Ndanu, who moved to a brand-new place, well away from friends and family when she came to vlog.
“There is always something to learn from these new encounters in our lives and also we always have to play our role and show up to the places that we’re meant to be,” affirmed Ndanu of her confidence attending the Fowler GSIC.
Similar to the TIA Entrepreneur Showcase, preparation can make-or-break a pitch at the Fowler. Ndanu’s months of mentor calls, practice pitches, and making edits for the TIA Entrepreneurship Showcase gives her an advantage for San Diego. All members of TIA are highly supportive of Ndanu’s upcoming journey at the Fowler and are eagerly anticipating the competition.
“The grant will be used to cover the costs of drilling, installing, and launching our pivot well in Makueni, Kenya. It will be enough for all the costs that it takes to bring water to this first community and dramatically change the lives of the 1,000 people living in this community,” Ndanu commented.
The $25,000 would drastically catalyze MajiSafi’s mission, making a huge difference to the people of Makueni.
The TIA community wishes Ndanu a wonderful and successful experience on the Fowler GSIC stage.