Terms & Conditions
Calling on Global Mission-Driven Innovators!
Who Can Apply?
The AgriTech4Uzbekistan Innovation Challenge is on the lookout for national and international mission-driven innovators who are working to develop high-impact agri-food and climate-tech innovations (i.e., products, services, technologies) that respond to the needs of the Uzbek context and provide concrete solutions to farmers and value chain actors, while contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals.
The call is open to solutions at all stages of maturity. Only early-stage innovations with a Minimum-Viable-Product (MVP) or Proof-of-Concept (POC) will be eligible for the bootcamp and acceleration program. Applicants in the growth stage and beyond with a sustainable business model will be invited to pitch their solutions to investors at the demo day.
If you are a scientist working for one of the CGIAR centers and have a solution relevant to the Uzbek context, then don’t miss the opportunity to gain access to activities and connections offered by AgriTech4Uzbekistan!
Priority Areas
Applications must address at least one of the priority areas:
Digital agriculture &
precision farming
Digital agriculture &
precision farming
Solutions seeking to introduce and support the adoption of precision agriculture tools to modernize local farm systems and practices.
Capacity building
Capacity building
Solutions seeking to increase the awareness level about digital technologies and innovations among value chain actors, by introducing solutions to modernize training modules on agricultural practices and inputs.
Water management &
irrigation systems
Water management &
irrigation systems
Solutions seeking to address water scarcity, security, and high salinity by optimizing water management to improve irrigation systems.
Financial services
Financial services
Solutions seeking to facilitate access to adequate financial services for stakeholders, especially for women entrepreneurs, to enhance lending and commercialization.
Supply chain management
Supply chain management
Solutions seeking to modernize supply chains to reduce inefficiencies, delays, and significant losses while improving the quality of food products for producers and consumers.
Solutions
The AgriTech4Uzbekistan Innovation Challenge is looking for solutions, that include but are not limited to:
Eligibility Criteria
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Your solution addresses a real market need in Uzbekistan and falls under at least one of the priority areas.
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You are a committed and purpose-driven entrepreneur or researcher (e.g., PhD and postdoctoral students, engineers, technicians, practitioners etc.).
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Your solution aligns with/is relevant to one or more CGIAR’s Impact Areas.
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You have a Minimum-Viable-Product (MVP) or Proof-of-Concept (POC).
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You are the sole inventor and copyright holder.
What We Offer to Boost Your Innovation
Travel to Tashkent for a 3-day bootcamp with technical guidance, mentorship, and pitch training to prepare for the pitch-day competition. Travel and accommodation for 2 team members are covered.
Benefit from business-oriented training, personalized mentorship, and technical assistance to elevate your venture through activities on product validation, team development, investor readiness, and technical sessions.
Gain privileged access to on-the-ground experimentation to test the viability of your solution by collaborating with farmers and value chain actors that can serve as a stepping stone to explore potential opportunities in the broader markets in Central Asia.
Get funding for your venture through an equity-free grant, providing you the financial support to invest in research and development, expand your business, and purchase equipment.
Showcase your solution to a global audience of potential investors, opening doors to valuable investment opportunities, funding, and commercial partnerships.
Enjoy access to co-working spaces and incubation facilities in Tashkent, providing you with essential resources and infrastructure to support the growth and development of your innovation.
Join a network of like-minded individuals, which will provide you with valuable networking opportunities and become eligible for further support and funding in partners’ future programs and events.
Receive post-acceleration support to accelerate go-to-market and growth through mentorship, market introductions, and opportunities for long-term collaboration with CGIAR research programs and projects.
How to Apply?
Candidates must submit their applications online through the dedicated portal
They will be required to register, build out their profile, and fill in the application form by 23 July 2023 at 23:59 CET.
Got a question? Check out the Frequently Asked Questions or the Terms of Reference for further information.
Sustainable Development Goals
AgriTech4Uzbekistan tackles 14 out of 17 Sustainable Development Goals:
