FAQ

When is the submission deadline?

The call for applications will close on 15 February 2026. Applications submitted after the deadline will be automatically declined.   

What are the eligibility criteria?

The AgriTech4Tunisia Innovation Challenge is open to national and international innovation teams that meet the below criteria: 

  • Have developed an early-stage innovation with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)  

  • Have developed a novel solution that addresses a real market demand in Tunisia and falls under at least one of the priority areas 

  • Are the sole inventors and copyright holders of the solution 

  • Are purpose-driven practitioners, entrepreneurs, students, researchers or  CGIAR scientists with a demonstrated willingness to adopt an entrepreneurial approach to their innovations  

  • Registration as a legal entity is not required at the time of application. Applicants may be in the process of registering, and support will be provided as needed. Applications are accepted from registered entities as well as individuals or teams affiliated with a national or international research center or university in Tunisia. 

  • Are fully committed to the program and be ready to travel to Tunisia for the activities on the ground 

  • Can clearly articulate how technology relates to one or more of CGIAR’s Impact Areas /or research activities 

  • Require at least 2 members proficient in English and/or French 

Important Note: Incomplete applications that do not comply with the terms and conditions specified in the call, or are submitted after the deadline, will not be considered for evaluation. 

Is there an eligibility criterion for the maturity level of my innovation?

The AgriTech4Tunisia Innovation Challenge is a program designed specifically for early-stage agri-tech ventures in Tunisia. At this stage, you must have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). This program will support and prepare you to build a solid go-to-market strategy through technical validation and access to the market.  

 

Selected applicants in the growth stage and beyond with a sustainable business model may be invited to pitch their solutions to investors at the demo day.  

Can I apply if I have developed an innovation within CGIAR?

Yes, you can apply if your innovation is/was designed, implemented or relevant to the context of Tunisia. There will be a provision for 5 slots reserved for CGIAR-led innovations.   

My solution addresses more than one priority area. Can I submit more applications?

You can only submit one application. Please indicate all relevant priority areas in the form.

Do I need to live in a certain region or country to apply?

No, the call is open to candidates globally; both from within and outside of Tunisia. 

Does my solution need to originate from the agriculture and food industries?

No, solutions do not necessarily need to originate from the agriculture and food industries. We are looking for all types of technologies that can be applied to the agri-tech sector in Tunisia. 

When will I be informed of the outcome of my application?

We will follow up with your application the week after the submission deadline.  

Do I have to attend in-person to participate in the bootcamp?

Yes, the bootcamp will be an in-person event taking place in April. Participation of shortlisted candidates will be informed through email and will have to confirm their ability to travel to attend or nominate a team member to attend on their behalf. 

How many members per team will be able to attend the bootcamp?

Up to 2 members from each shortlisted team will be fully funded to attend the in-person 4-day- bootcamp in Tunisia. 

Will you provide any form of support in obtaining a visa for activities taking place in Tunisia?

Visa support will be provided in the form of an official invitation letter and visa cost reimbursement. Participants are responsible for applying for their visas from their respective embassies. 

Who will manage my personal data?

CGIAR Accelerate for Impact Platform under the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT is the data controller; collects, manages, and stores data under GDPR privacy requirements. Consult the Privacy Notice <link> for further information. 

Who should I contact if I have a question or require support?

We recommend that you check out the Frequently Asked Questions. If you cannot find the answer, contact us at info@agritechchallenge.org or via WhatsApp. 

Can research teams or academic projects apply even if they are not incorporated as startups?

Yes. Teams affiliated with academic or research institutions are eligible to apply, even if they are not formally incorporated as a startup at the time of application. Research project teams with a working solution or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and a clear pathway toward testing, validation, and market uptake are welcome to apply. 

Do applicants need to already have paying clients to be eligible?

No. Applicants are not required to have existing or paying clients at the time of application. Teams should, however, have a working solution or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and demonstrate a clear understanding of the problem they are addressing and the intended users. 

Is it possible to resubmit or edit an application after submission?

Yes. Applicants may request to edit or resubmit their application. To do so, please send an email to info@agritechchallenge.org. The team will move your application back to draft status, allowing you to make the necessary edits and resubmit it. 

How do you mitigate the risks associated with supporting early-stage startups?

The program is designed based on a deep understanding of the challenges faced by early-stage startups. Each selected team undergoes an initial diagnostic phase to identify its specific technical, business, and market challenges. Support is then tailored to the needs of each startup, with no one-size-fits-all approach. This includes one-to-one mentoring, customized technical assistance, and targeted guidance throughout the program. 

How many teams will be selected for the program?

A total of 20 teams will be selected to participate in the bootcamp phase. Following the bootcamp, 10 teams will be selected to continue into the 3-month acceleration phase. 

Is there an age restriction to apply?

No. There are no age restrictions to apply to the program. However, teams are encouraged to highlight their team composition, particularly if it includes women and/or youth, as this information helps better understand the diversity and perspectives within the team. 

Is there structured support for IP strategy and patenting?

Yes. The program provides structured support on IP strategy and patenting, including guidance on defining an appropriate IP approach, assessing patentability, and identifying relevant protection pathways based on the nature and maturity of each innovation.