AgriTech4Egypt Innovation Challenge

Are you developing an innovative agritech solution that can make agriculture in Egypt more sustainable, efficient, and climate-resilient?

Apply to the AgriTech4Egypt Innovation Challenge and get the chance to benefit from a full-funded acceleration program to validate your innovation on the ground.

We are looking for purpose-driven scientists and entrepreneurs working on agri-tech solutions for a more sustainable, efficient, and climate-resilient agricultural system in Egypt.

This program is designed specifically for early-stage agri-tech ventures in Egypt. At this stage, you must have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or Proof of Concept (POC). This program will support and prepare you to build a solid go-to-market strategy through technical validation and access to the market.

Your agri-tech innovation must align with one of the priority areas:

• Digital agriculture and precision farming
• Agri-finance solutions
• Sustainable value chain development
• Capacity building tools
• Efficient irrigation water management

Read more here: https://agritechchallenge.org/projects/agritech4egypt/terms-conditions

Timeline

Who should apply?

The AgriTech4Egypt Innovation Challenge is open to national and international innovation teams that meet the below criteria:

• Are pre-commercial or conceptual stage with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or Proof of Concept (POC)*
• Have developed a novel solution that addresses a real market demand in Egypt and falls under at least one of the 5 priority areas
• Are the sole inventors and copyright holders of the solution
• Are purpose-driven practitioners, entrepreneurs, PhD/post-doc students, researchers or CGIAR scientists with a demonstrated willingness to adopt an entrepreneurial approach to their innovations
• Are either a registered company or affiliated to a research institute/center or university
• Are fully committed to the program and be ready to travel to Egypt for the activities on the ground
• Can clearly articulate how the technology relates to one or more of CGIAR’s Impact
  Areas /or research activities
• Require at least two members to be proficient in English.

Important Note: Incomplete applications that do not comply with the terms and conditions specified in the call, or are submitted after the deadline, will not be considered for evaluation.

*Selected applicants in the growth stage and beyond with a sustainable business model may be invited to pitch their solutions to investors at the demo day.

What’s in it for you?

Through the AgriTech4Egypt Innovation Challenge, you will receive the tools and step-by-step support to build the foundations of an agri-tech venture for scalable growth in Egypt. You will:

• Develop an in-depth understanding of agriculture in Egypt
• Benefit from a fully funded, 4-day immersive bootcamp
• Connect with a network of partners and agribusinesses
• Be exposed to expert guidance from CGIAR scientists and industry experts
• Access a sponsored 6-month acceleration program, combining entrepreneurial training and technical assistance.

Reserved for acceleration program participants

• Test and validate your solution on the ground with end-users for up to 6 months
• Receive up to 300,000 EGP as an equity-free grant provided by ASRT
• Gain exposure to investors and market opportunities

What is the selection process?

How do we select?

Applications are assessed according to a set of criteria and scored on a scale of 1-5 with 1 being the lowest (poor) and 5 being the highest score (excellent).

• Applicability to the context of Egypt: The team should possess a comprehensive understanding of Egypt’s agriculture sector, its specific needs and challenges, demonstrating that their solution is tailored to fit at least one of the priority areas.
• Scientific relevance: The solution and its applications should be clearly defined and scientifically validated with a clear connection to CGIAR’s Impact Areas and/or Research Portfolio.
• Novelty and uniqueness: The solution should introduce new concepts, approaches, or technologies that diverge from existing ideas and practices.
• Sustainability and scalability of the business model: The solution’s business model should be robust and sustainable, addressing market needs effectively and distinguishing itself from competitors in Egypt and/or MENA. It should be supported by documented evidence of market size, scalability, replicability, and transferability, and the ability to prevent competitors from replicating or infringing the innovation.
• Environmental and social impact: The solution should effectively address social and environmental challenges, with measurable and positive impacts in these areas.
• Team: The team should have a diverse and complementary skillset, and possess technical, scientific or industry specific knowledge. The team demonstrates inclusivity, dedication, and commitment to the activities and deliverables of the innovation challenge.

How to apply?

Submit your application by 28 April 2024: https://venturespace.cgiar.org/application/new?program=agritech4egypt-innovation-challenge

Applicants are required to register, build out their profile, and fill in the application form.

For any questions, contact info@agritechchallenge.org or join our WhatsApp Community.