Agri & Data Startup Showcase

Do you have a product with commercial potential? Do you have an awesome idea or research project?

Present your business in front of SU LaunchLab’s network of market and funding access partners.

Win a share of R100k in prize money to grow your startup!

Stellenbosch University LaunchLab is proud to present a Pan-African startup showcase in conjunction with the SU Faculty of AgriSciences, the SU School for Data Science & Computational Thinking and Alphawave.

Using data to drive increased efficiency, productivity & crop yields will significantly contribute to the positive economic & social growth of the African continent. This is one of our key thematic investments at Stellenbosch University LaunchLab and well supported by Africa’s leading Agricultural Sciences Faculty. The Agri & Data Showcase will focus on sourcing the 8 best early-stage ideas or companies from across Africa focused on this world-shaping opportunity.

Why apply for the showcase?

The three winning teams will gain access to valuable prize money and a place in SU LaunchLab’s flagship incubation program, Countdown: Idea Validation starting in June 2021. It’s a great opportunity for PR exposure and access to the SU LaunchLab partners!

What are we looking for?

We are looking for world-shaping Agri solutions that utilizes the following technologies:

• Electronic Solutions
• Sensors
• IoT
• Computer vision
• Satellite imagery
• Artificial Intelligence
• Marketplaces
• Circular economy
• Agri-processing improvements
• Robotics

If your Agri & Data solution is commercially viable you will fit the following eligibility criteria for the showcase:

• You are operating in South Africa or Africa
• You have an MVP or working prototype
• Your technology or product has international scale potential
• You have a full-time team available
• You have been working on your venture for more than 12 months
• You are teachable and willing to be coached
• You are targeting three world-class customers

If your startup meets most of the above criteria then we want to work with you!

How it works

1) Submit your ideas online:

Online entries close on 17 May 2021. You can apply online below where you will submit a video of no longer than 3 minutes explaining your business and including the following: What does your product or solution aim to achieve?

2) Shortlisting:

After all the submissions are received, the top participants will be shortlisted, and from that, we will select 8-10 finalists.

3) Final pitching event

Finalists stand the chance to win:

• A share of R100k in prize money
• Entry into LaunchLab’s incubation programs (Countdown or Lift-Off)
• A possible additional prize of up to R50k for an electronics or big data business
• Virtual pitching event date & time: 27 May 2021 at 14:00 – 16:00 pm SAST.

If you have an innovative Agri & Data business, submit your application now!