Consultation Workshop: Deep Diving into the Agri-tech Innovation Ecosystem in Egypt

Deep Diving into the Agri-tech Innovation Ecosystem in Egypt

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In the context of CGIAR Regional Integrated Initiative Fragility to Resilience in Central and West Asia and North Africa (F2R-CWANA), the “Consultation Workshop: Deep Diving into the Agri-tech Innovation Ecosystem in Egypt” is organized by CGIAR Accelerate for Impact Platform (A4IP) and CGIAR Centers–ICARDA, IWMI, IFPRI, and Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT–and endorsed by the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT) of Egypt.

Science-based innovations and entrepreneurship, particularly in agri-tech, are critical in addressing the agricultural challenges posed by climate change. Adaptable, deployable, and affordable context-specific solutions, such as precision and drip irrigation, digitalized pest and disease detection, or crop sensors powered by artificial intelligence, can help smallholder farmers improve the sustainability, productivity, and resilience of the farm.

Research institutions and agri-tech acceleration programs play a key role in creating an enabling environment, offering entrepreneurs with comprehensive support for the development and deployment of solutions through business know-how, market connections, technical capacity, and access to finance. With increasing government support and a tech-savvy population, Egypt is asserting itself as an entrepreneurial hub in MENA. As one of Africa’s ‘Big Four’ alongside Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, Egypt is strategically developing its innovation ecosystem with the establishment of support structures and the proliferation of entrepreneurial awareness programs that provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the necessary resources and mentorship to turn their ideas into market-ready products.

Overview

Feb 7, 2024 (10:30-16:00)
Organizer CGIAR
Location Hybrid
InterContinental Cairo Semiramis, an IHG Hotel, Corniche El Nil, Qasr Ad Dobarah, Qasr El Nil, Egypt
Targets Egypt
Sectors Agribusiness, Agritech
SDG (14)
1. No Poverty, 10. Reduced Inequality, 11. Sustainable Cities and Communities, 12. Responsible Consumption and Production, 13. Climate Action, 14. Life Below Water, 15. Life on Land, 17. Partnerships to achieve the Goal, 2. Zero Hunger, 5. Gender Equality, 6. Clean Water and Sanitation, 7. Affordable and Clean Energy, 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth, 9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Partner Organization CGIAR image of Cgiar Logo
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Workshop details

The “Consultation Workshop: Deep Diving into the Agri-tech Innovation Ecosystem in Egypt” adopts an inclusive approach to inform the design, direction, and priority areas of the beneficiary-centered and solutions-oriented AgriTech4Egypt Innovation Challenge 2024. The workshop will bring together key stakeholders–representing Government, Educational institutions, Research Centers, Incubators, Accelerators, Venture Funds, Start-ups, and Farmers–operating in agriculture and the innovation space across Egypt and seeks to:

  • Foster a conversation around the nexus of research and entrepreneurship as well as the opportunity for attracting and linking emerging innovations with demand;
  • Discuss and prioritize challenges impacting agri-food systems to inform the direction and the thematic areas of the AgriTech4Egypt Innovation Challenge;
  • Identify investment opportunities and prospects to attract solutions funding in the agri-tech space;
  • Connect with potential partners of the AgriTech4Egypt Innovation Challenge.

Register here to virtually attend the online components of the event: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dJ4pvoKPQkScpMlqdm2HRA

Agenda

The plenary sessions will be made available for online participants from 10:30-12:00 (GMT+2).

Time GMT+2 Session
9:45 Registration & Networking breakfast
10:30 Welcome
10:35

Opening remarks

  • Prof. Mahmoud Sakr, President of Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT) [TBC]
  • H.E. Prof.
    Mohamed Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research [TBC]
  • H.E. Mr. El
    Sayed Mohamed El Quseir, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation [TBC]
  • H.E. Dr. Amr
    Talaat, Minister of Communications and Information Technology [TBC]
  • Michele Quaroni, Ambassador of Italy in Cairo [TBC]
  • Aly Abousabaa, Regional Director CWANA, CGIAR / Director General, ICARDA
11:05

Presentation: The Transformative Impact of Agri-tech in Egypt

Bassel Daher, Agricultural Development Specialist, FAO / Research Scientist, Texas A&M University
11:15

Panel: Creating an Enabling Environment to Support an Emerging Ecosystem of Agri–tech Entrepreneurs: The Role of Technology Transfer, Education, Capacity Building, and Sharing.

Moderator: Karima El
Hakim, Country Director – Egypt, Plug and Play

Panelists:

  • Dante Campioni, Managing Director, Alex Bank [TBC]
  • Dalia El Nazer, Co-Founder and Business Development Director, Outreach
  • Heba Labib, Assistant VP for Innovation, Nile University
  • Amr Farouk, Vice President, Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT)
  • Mozare3 [TBC]
11:45 Q&A Segment
12:00 Breakout Sessions Guidance
12:05 Group photo & Health Break
12:25

Breakout Sessions – 3 breakout groups over 3 parallel sessions, 45 mins each

  • Theme A: Context-specific
    Agricultural Challenges: What is the Role of Agri-tech?
  • Theme B: The Role of Acceleration Programs in Upscaling AgriTech Initiatives
  • Theme C: Tackling Technological Limitations in the Egyptian Agritech Context
15:00 Reporting of Breakout Sessions & Discussion
15:30 Survey Exercise (Poll)
15:45 Presentation of the AgriTech4Egypt Innovation Challenge, Next Steps & Concluding Remarks
16:00 Reception & Networking Session

Activity