Reimagine. Innovate. Sustain.

A challenge designed to catalyze innovative solutions that transform waste into valuable resources, reduce deforestation, drive sustainable development in Colombia's agri-food sector, and foster a circular economy through the integration of cutting-edge technologies and scientific advancements.

 

In alignment with national and international targets, such as Colombia’s National Development Plan 2022-2026 and the objectives of CBD COP 16 Colombia, the CircularEconomy4Colombia Innovation Challenge aims to accelerate the transition to a circular economy for Colombia’s agri-food sector. This challenge is aimed to give your solution an edge by providing access to expert mentorship, comprehensive business training,  funding opportunities, and a robust network of industry leaders and investors, ensuring your innovation can scale and succeed in the market. Join us in our mission to transform Colombia’s approach to waste management and environmental conservation.

In the context of CGIAR Research initiatives Nature-Positive Solutions, the CircularEconomy4Colombia Innovation Challenge is powered by CGIAR Accelerate for Impact Platform (A4IP) and co-organized with CGIAR Centers – the Alliance Bioversity International-CIAT and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and implemented in partnership with EAN University the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ), and the Green Business Office of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development of Colombia

Are you an innovator working on a solution that can foster Colombia’s transition to Circular Economy?

The CircularEconomy4Colombia Innovation Challenge is a program designed for national and global innovators that have early-stage innovative solutions applicable to the context of Colombia. This program will support and prepare you to build a solid go-to-market strategy through technical validation.

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

Your agri-tech innovation must align with one of the priority areas:

Waste Valorization for Soil Health and Agricultural Productivity

Advanced Wastewater Treatment and Reuse

Innovative Waste Conversion for Animal Feed

Renewable Energy Generation from Agri-Food Waste

Repurposing Waste into Functional Materials and Inputs

Impact

The CircularEconomy4Colombia Innovation Challenge is a program designed with end-users at its center, tailored to meet the market demands of Colombia.

Increase waste recovery from the agri-food sector
This initiative aims to unite innovators nationwide to develop solutions that add value to agri-food sector waste, enhancing waste recovery rates in both urban and rural areas of Colombia.
Foster circular economy through innovation
By promoting the adoption of innovative scientific solutions that encourage the transition to production models based on the circular economy and promote sustainable development, covering social, environmental and economic aspects.
Enable innovators to thrive
By creating favorable conditions for innovators to thrive by improving their access to knowledge, resources, and skills development opportunities.
Support
By aligning efforts with the objectives of the National Circular Economy Strategy, the National Digital Strategy (NDS) for 2023-2026, and the global Sustainable Agricultural Development Strategy Towards 2030.

This is a unique opportunity!

In addition to increased visibility, recognition, and networking opportunities with leading industry players, investors, and scientific experts, shortlisted applicants will receive full sponsorship, including travel and accommodation, to attend a three-day bootcamp in Cali, Colombia, and participate in a virtual nine-week Acceleration Program.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

The CircularEconomy4Colombia tackles 14 out of 17 Sustainable Development Goals: 

Rewatch CircularEconomy4Colombia Innovation Challenge Ask Me Anything - Session from 30 July, 2024