Global AgriInno Challenge

Are you keen to solve the challenges and difficulties in digital agriculture field? Are you ready to
present your innovative ideas to the world? Do you crave for getting connections with diversified mentorship supported by United Nation agencies, government, leading angel investors, and academic experts?

Global AgriInno Challenge, a worldwide competition for youth agripreneurs and innovators, showcases and promotes smart digital innovative talent. With the last two sessions successfully held in 2020 and 2021, Global AgriInno Challenge 2022 will continue to provide startups an alive platform to exchange experience, enhance knowledge and offer the opportunity to join the huge network of cooperation all
around the globe.

Themed with “addressing challenges related to the transformation of the agrifood systems in line
with FAO’s four betters”, 6 teams will be selected and invited to the final pitch event in Hangzhou, China with all related fees covered. The winning teams will be rewarded with seed funding.

Remote participation is available for international teams due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Purposes

The Challenge aims at identifying, accelerating and scaling-up youth-led innovative business models
and innovative solutions for agrifood system issues, FAO and Zhejiang University have co-organized the Global AgriInno Challenge 2022 to achieve SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 10 (Reduced inequalities). The Challenge will implement the following actions:

a) transforming rural development through innovative and digital solutions under the framework of the
Four Betters (better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life);

b) sharing the latest information, knowledge, and best practices in rural digital transformation
innovations, digital technologies, and business models;

 c) building an enabling environment through Public-Private Partnerships and co-creation opportunities
with diverse participants, practitioners, and experts;

d) engaging and empowering young agripreneurs and innovators to tackle development challenges through FAO and partners’ global networks with continuous support during and after the innovation challenge.

Eligibility

GAC 2022 is open for youth who are developing and deploying digital innovation products and services that can accelerate the Four Betters implementation and agrifood systems transformation.

Selection Criteria

1.   The team has registered as a company or legal entity.

2.   Have less than USD 1 million in turnover.

3.   Have less than 5 years of operations.

4.   Have an innovative, technology-based solution or business model with a Technological Readiness Level (TRL) between 7 and 9 (provide evidence that the project is beyond the MVP stage).

5.   Be committed to continuous engagement throughout the entire duration of the program.

6.   At least one leader of the group must be below35 years old (Teams with female agripreneurs are  highly encouraged).

How to Apply

The team leader needs to submit a) the application form; b) the innovation solution presentation (in PPT format); and c) a video to global_agriinno_challenge@zju.edu.cn and copying digital innovation@fao.org

Key Requirements

The documentation to submit should include (in English): 

• Application Form (you may scan QR code on item 12 or use the attached form in
  annex)
• Innovation Solution (PowerPoint of max 12 slides, up to 250 words per slide, Microsoft YaHei Font, font size not less than 16)
  • Summary of the solution (up to 250 words)
  • Problem identification (analysis of challenges relating to transformation of the agrifood system)
  • Four Better Categories (identify which of the Four Betters do you apply your
    digital solutions to?)
  • Mission, vision, values of the project (the type of agricultureactivity/sub-sector targeted)
  •  Technical model (how to address challenges relating to digital agriculture and the agri-food system?)
  • Timing justification (why is this moment the best time?)
  • Situation analysis (who is your main competitor and why is your solution better or
    more innovative than others?)
  • Business plan (target group, the description of outputs and related activities, adoption strategy, applied methods, partners, sustainability, and consideration of gender)
  • Financial situation (capital raised, capital needed, revenue analysis)
  • Phased development planning (what is the potential contribution of your solution in three years? how do you plan to achieve it? what are the milestones?)
• 1-2 minutes long video explaining:
  • How is your idea or solution going to contribute to the Four Betters and help benefit vulnerable and rural populations? Answer this question in a 1-2 minute long video. Upload the video online to a video sharing platform (YouTube, Google Cloud, Youku, Baidu Cloud or others) and share the address of the link.