Project: Leaders in Innovation Fellowship (LIF) Global Programme (Cohort 6)

Location: Newton Fund Countries (Jordan, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia)

Client: Royal Academy of Engineering

This case study explores the impact of integrating a mentoring component into the LIF Global Programme (Cohort 6), designed to support engineers-turned-entrepreneurs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Challenge:

• The programme aimed to equip participants with skills to commercialise their engineering innovations.
• The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted travel, trade, and business operations, posing significant challenges for the participating entrepreneurs.

The Approach:

• The programme, delivered by The Shine Consortium (including Mowgli Mentoring – now The Human Edge), combined:
  • Commercialisation training
  • In-country events and activities
  • Mentoring
  • Peer networking
• Mentors received specific training to adapt their support to the “COVID survival and adaptation” context.
• The programme provided additional resources to help navigate the “new normal.”

Impact:

• Despite pandemic challenges, participants:
  • Developed 123 products and services across the four participating countries.
  • Reported improvements in competence, performance, well-being, learning, and self-confidence due to mentorship.

Key Takeaways:

• Mentoring, alongside business training, provides individualised support tailored to each entrepreneur’s needs.
• Mentors can act as sounding boards, cheerleaders, and mirrors, guiding and encouraging entrepreneurs through challenging times.
• Integrating a well-designed mentoring component can significantly enhance the effectiveness of business programmes, even during unforeseen circumstances.