AgriTech4Kenya Innovation Challenge

In line with national and global policies – including the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda ( BETA), the Big 4 Agenda and the Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy within Vision 2030 –  AgriTech4Kenya puts Kenyan agrifood systems transformation on the front page and stands as a beacon to innovators ambitious for the development, deployment, adoption, and scaling of high-impact science-based agri-tech solutions for smallholder farmers and agricultural value chain players. The project supports early-stage innovators (including practitioners, entrepreneurs, researchers, and CGIAR scientists) with a Minimum-Viable-Product or Proof-of-Concept by accelerating the journey from conception to market-ready solutions.

Who can apply

The call for applications is open to national and international candidates, provided that innovations are applicable to the context of Kenya. Applicants can be individuals or teams of innovators (e.g., PhD and postdoctoral students, engineers, technicians, researchers, entrepreneurs, practitioners etc.) with proven interest in commercializing and scaling their solution in Kenya, addressing at least one of the project’s six priority areas:

1. Sustainable Agricultural Production
2. Improved Market Access and Supply Chain Efficiency
3. Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building
4. Livestock Health and Disease Management
5. Equitable Finance and Investment Mechanisms
6. Water Use Efficiency and Sustainable Irrigation Practices

The call for applications is open to all maturity stages, however only early-stage innovations with a proof-of-concept or minimum-viable-product, will be considered for the bootcamp and acceleration program. Innovators with solutions at the growth stage and beyond will only be considered for invitation to the closing demo day to pitch to investors.

Applications will be evaluated by a Selection Committee, including 1 representative per partner with backgrounds in the public sector, research, industry, banking, and agriculture entrepreneurship.  At least five CGIAR-led innovations will be selected for participation.

What’s in Store

AgriTech4Kenya is an initiative powered by Kenyans, for Kenya. Through a participatory and demand-driven approach, the project offers comprehensive support to build a solid go-to-market strategy through business mentorship, scientific technical validation, market opportunities, access to finance, and on-the-ground experimentation with end-users to pilot solutions. In doing so, it aims to create an enabling environment for testing, validating, and transferring knowledge and technological solutions that enhance the sustainability, resilience, and efficiency of Kenya’s agricultural system, unlocking the nation’s potential in line with its strategic objective to be food secure by 2033.

Selected innovation teams get access to a fully funded 4-day bootcamp offering on-farm experience technical guidance, business mentorship, and pitch training, ultimately affording participants insight into agricultural challenges and opportunities, as well as potential commercial partnerships through hands-on experiences with farmers, end-users, agribusinesses, and industry experts. Fifteen finalists advance to a sponsored acceleration program combining business training, technical assistance from CGIAR scientists, and networking opportunities. This program aims to refine business models, prepare for scaling, and link innovations with CGIAR science. Participants receive exposure to investors, engage in pilot testing with end-users in Kenya, and benefit from continued post-acceleration support for market expansion and collaboration.

Project Phases

The AgriTech4Kenya Innovation Challenge will proceed through project phases, as below – each designed to support innovators from conception to market-ready solutions:

For more information visit the website or reach out to agritechchallenge.org, and stay tuned to the CGIAR Accelerate for Impact Platform’s LinkedIn page for information on the upcoming Q&A session, scheduled for August 1st.

More on the Accelerate for Impact Platform (A4IP)

The CGIAR Accelerate for Impact Platform (A4IP) is the venture space that leverages CGIAR’s legacy in research and innovation to co-design, accelerate, and de-risk the development and deployment of science-based solutions for sustainable agriculture and climate action. A4IP entrepreneurs pioneer models to bridge research products from lab to market, create demand for CGIAR science, and strengthen its role in the innovation ecosystem. The initiative plays a catalytic role for entrepreneurial scientists, startups, and other strategic partners driving innovation that will make our agri-food systems healthier, more equitable, and more sustainable. A4IP is an initiative powered by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT; a CGIAR research center. Learn more here.