The Milken-Motsepe Prize in AgriTech

Propelling innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa

The inaugural Milken-Motsepe Prize focuses on accelerating progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 and 2: no poverty and zero hunger.

A collaboration between the Milken Institute and the Motsepe Foundation, the Milken-Motsepe Prize in AgriTech is a global competition for innovative solutions to increase economic value to farmers, from seed to sale. 

Registration is free and open to anyone, with a USD 1 million grand prize available for the winning team, and USD 1 million in additional prizes.


Why Agritech?

  • 60%: Sixty percent of the African population is employed in agriculture, with more than 80% of all output produced by small-scale farms.
  • 50%: Agricultural productivity growth in Africa is about half that seen in other developing economies.
  • 40%: Up to 40% of food produced by smallholder farmers in Africa is lost between harvest and consumption.

How to Win

Registration for the AgriTech Prize is free and open to anyone, anywhere.

  • Design round: Teams submit their design and business model. An independent panel of expert judges will select up to 25 teams to receive USD 10.000 each and advance in the competition.
  • Finalist round: Teams develop their prototypes and conduct field tests on small and medium-sized farms in Africa.
  • Awards: Winning teams will increase net economic value to small and medium-sized farms by:
    • Developing innovative technology solutions for any stage of the food system, from seed to sale
    • Designing a viable business model
    • Increasing farm productivity and/or decreasing post-harvest loss.

Prize Benefits

Many entrepreneurs lack the information and tools they need to bring their invention to life. In addition to the chance to win cash prizes, the Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize program provides a rich set of opportunities for entrepreneurs.

  1. Online Community: Simply complete the free prize registration process and you will join an online community of other entrepreneurs. The prize portal will give you access to:
    • Team matchmaking
    • Resources for entrepreneurs
    • Online training & help-desk
  2. Certificate Program: Teams will receive a 12-week experiential learning program powered by the Stanford Center for Professional Development Idea to Market curriculum. Upon completion of the program, teams will receive a Certificate of Completion:
    • Stanford center for professional development certificate of completion
    • Mentoring from industry experts
    • Pitch & feedback sessions
  3. Alumni Network: Winning teams will join the Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize program alumni network following prize completion, with access to:
    • Investors
    • Data analysis
    • Networking opportunities

Overview

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December 8, 2021
Program dates Apr 1, 2021 - Apr 30, 2023
Organizer Milken Institute
Website Visit website
Targets
Africa, Antarctica Region, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Europe, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Micronesia, Nicaragua, Northern America, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela
Sectors Agribusiness, Agritech, EdTech, HealthTech
SDG (2)
1. No Poverty, 2. Zero Hunger

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