Sometimes you just need a little help.
SAIS stands for “Scaling digital Agriculture Innovations through Start-ups” and is a project implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ GmbH) on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). It is co-funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Bayer Cares Foundation.
We are a company development and accelerator programme for African Tech start-ups in the agriculture, food, and climate sectors. Start-ups and their solutions are a central pathway to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
We offer annual Investment Readiness Programmes (IRPs) in English, French, and for the livestock sector.
You can read more on our website: https://sais-accelerator.com/
Yes, you are welcome to apply!
No, you should have a team of at least 3 people.
Yes. But make sure to describe your contribution in developing the start-up, as we assess and celebrate high vision female founders who have proven to drive their vision into action.
Yes. But make sure to describe your contribution in developing the start-up, as we assess the founder individually.
No. Your start-up needs to be registered and operating in Africa.
No. Only start-ups operating in these three sectors (AgTech, FoodTech, ClimateTech) are eligible to apply for the SAIS Female Founder Award.
The award is equity free. We offer you vouchers and various tailored services that best support your start-up’s further growth, integration into the international start-up ecosystem and into the SAIS Female Leaders Circle.
Yes, the travel costs to Paris (accommodation, flights, invitation letter for your visa application and Vivatech ticket) for one person are covered, and the opportunity to pitch your start-up on VivaTech stage are part of the award.
Yes, but your hardware-based start-up should include a digital component for the application.
1st Place
- Vouchers: up to 12,000€
- Services: up to 18,000€
2nd Place
- Vouchers: up to 5,000€
- Services: up to 10,000€
3rd Place
- Vouchers: up to 3,000€
- Services: up to 4,000€