AgriTech4Egypt
Innovation Challenge 2024

Connect. Accelerate. Scale-up

A program designed to give you an edge in validating and deploying your agri-tech venture in Egypt

From May to December 2024, the AgriTech4Egypt Innovation challenge supported purpose-driven scientists and entrepreneurs working on agri-tech solutions for a more sustainable, efficient, and climate-resilient agricultural system in Egypt. 

The AgriTech4Egypt Innovation Challenge is powered by CGIAR Accelerate for Impact Platform (A4IP) and co-organized with CGIAR Centers–The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, ICARDA, IWMI, and IFPRI–the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT) of Egypt, Chemonics Egypt Consultants, and Berytech. This project is endorsed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Egypt (MOHESR) and supported by PRIMA, Climate Resilient Africa Fund (CRAF), ALEX BANK, Sustainable Agriculture Foundation Africa (SAF-Africa) formerly Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture, SEKEM, and CGIAR Initiatives and units operating in the MENA region.

Watch the recording of the AgriTech4Egypt Demo Day

Missed it? On Dec 17, the AgriTech4Egypt Innovation Challenge wrapped up months of hard work through its final Demo Day, aimed at celebrating the achievements of 15 agri-tech innovation teams who successfully completed an intensive acceleration program, chosen from 900 applicants across 48 countries.

Demo Day brought together 127 attendees, comprising a diverse group of industry experts, public sector representatives, investors, venture capitalists, agribusinesses, research organizations, universities and agri-tech enthusiasts.

 

How to make agriculture in Egypt more sustainable, efficient, and climate-resilient through innovation?

The AgriTech4Egypt Innovation Challenge is a program designed specifically for early-stage agri-tech ventures in Egypt. Applicants had to have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or Proof of Concept (POC). Through 15 business and science workshops and 270 hours of individualized mentorship, this program supported and prepared 15 innovation teams to build a solid go-to-market strategy.

*CGIAR scientists with a demonstrated willingness to adopt an entrepreneurial approach to their innovation were welcome to apply and benefit from the project offers. 

Agri-tech innovations had to align with one of the priority areas:

Digital agriculture and
precision farming

Agri-finance solutions

Sustainable value chain development

Capacity building tools

Efficient irrigation water management

Watch the highlights from the Bootcamp in Bilbeis, Egypt

Impact

The AgriTech4Egypt Innovation Challenge is a program designed with end-users at the center, tailored to meet the market demands of Egypt. 

Attract
Attract global innovations to tackle Egypt’s agriculture challenges
End-users
Provide farmers and value chain actors with deployable, affordable solutions
Environment
Create an enabling environment that attracts investments and de-risk the technology development for innovations
Empower
Empower rural communities, women, and young entrepreneurs
Propel
Drive economic growth by creating employment and fostering a skilled workforce
Support
Align efforts with the objectives of the Sustainable Agricultural Development Strategy Towards 2030

UN Sustainable Development Goals

The AgriTech4Egypt tackles 14 out of 17 Sustainable Development Goals: 

What was in it for the participants?

Through the AgriTech4Egypt Innovation Challenge, 15 innovation teams received the tools and step-by-step support to build a solid go-to-market strategy through technical validation and access to the market.

Develop an in-depth understanding of agriculture in Egypt
Benefit from a fully funded, 4-day immersive bootcamp
Connect with a network of international partners and agribusinesses
Be exposed to expert guidance from CGIAR scientists and industry experts
Access a sponsored 6-month acceleration program, combining entrepreneurial training and technical assistance

Reserved for acceleration program participants

Test and validate your solution on the ground with end-users for up to 6 months
Receive up to 300,000 EGP as an equity-free grant provided by ASRT
Gain exposure to investors and market opportunities

Rewatch the Launch Event of the AgriTech4Egypt Innovation Challenge

Missed it? On 27 March, the online Launch Event gathered 100 participants connecting from 52 countries, representing both the public and private sectors. The global attendance was a testament to Egypt’s efforts in regional leadership for promoting start-ups and strategically developing its innovation ecosystem.

Watch the highlights of the Consultation Workshop

In February, Cairo hosted a gathering of 80 experts in agriculture and innovation fostering an open and inclusive dialogue on developing and deploying agritech solutions in Egypt. Feedback of the Consultation Workshop served to shape the design of the AgriTech4Egypt Innovation Challenge.