THRIVE | Climate-Smart Agriculture Challenge

About the challenge

The THRIVE | Shell Climate-Smart Agriculture Challenge aims to identify and support top start-up and scale-up innovators who are driving the global transformation to climate-smart agriculture practices. The challenge aligns with Shell’s Powering Progress strategy and the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals. If your start-up or scale-up company fits with the challenge themes below, apply now!

Focus areas

The key goal of the challenge is to identify and promote innovations that help farmers to:

• ENHANCE LAND
  Solutions that promote carbon sequestration and avoid emissions while improving soil health.
• CONNECT FARMS
  Solutions to improve farm connectivity to access carbon markets and carbon financing.
• MEASURE SOIL
  Solutions that measure and quantify soil carbon, soil health, and greenhouse gas emissions.

Benefits for winners

Winners will be selected to receive the following benefits:

• Funding
  Up to $100,000 in funding to develop a proof of concept*
• Eligible for investment
  Considered or eligible for investment from Shell Ventures if investment criteria met
• SHELL gamechanger
  Acceptance into the Shell GameChanger program with access to coaching and additional funding opportunities
• THRIVE top 50 fast-track
  Receive automatic nomination for THRIVE’s TOP 50 AgTech & FoodTech Listings
• Market validation
  Potential pilot opportunities with Shell
• Publicity
  Gain brand recognition through THRIVE media and brand exposure across various channels
• Award-winning THRIVE accelerator
  Selected applicants will secure placement in THRIVE’s Accelerator Program in 2024
• Mentorship & coaching
  Access THRIVE’s extensive ecosystem of industry experts & receive focused startup coaching
• THRIVE ecosystem
  Be shortlisted for future partnership opportunities with THRIVE’s network

Selection criteria

The Climate-Smart Agriculture Challenge is open to start-ups and scale-ups located around the world

Startups:

• Pre-seed to seed stage
• Start-ups will be screened based on:
  • Novel – is the idea fundamentally different, disruptive and unproven?
  • Valuable – could the idea create substantial new value if it works?
  • Doable – is there a plan to prove the concept quickly and affordably?
  • Relevant – is the idea relevant to the future of climate-smart agriculture.

Scaleups:

• Series A +
• Proven scalability of a base business and formalized business model
• Detailed plan outlining:
  • Marketing reach
  • Team structure
  • Key product offering

THRIVE | Climate-Smart Agriculture Challenge