Agrobiodiversity Innovation Challenge: Call for innovative solutions in the agri-food tech space 63 views

Opportunity for applicants who care about solutions in the agri-food tech space. Free entry. Many valuable benefits. Deadline 30 Sep 2021.

Agrobiodiversity Innovation Challenge: Call for innovative solutions in the agri-food tech space

About Agrobiodiversity Innovation Challenge: Call for innovative solutions in the agri-food tech space

The Agrobiodiversity Innovation Challenge is seeking innovators driven by a passion for solving challenges in the agri-food sector by utilizing or conserving agrobiodiversity.

As part of the 2nd International Agrobiodiversity Congress, November 15-18, 2021, in Rome, the Agrobiodiversity Innovation Challenge will recognize new products, services, and best practices that can help farmers, consumers, and food companies increase production effectiveness, competitiveness, and resilience while conserving agrobiodiversity.

In an open innovation approach, the Innovation Challenge aims to:

Connect different actors motivated to improve global and community-based food systems.

Attract and support innovators to scale up their solutions through a long-term research and development collaboration with CGIAR and its partners.

Identify innovators who could help advance research by sharing ideas and solutions.

Disruptive innovators will have an opportunity to pitch their solutions to transform food systems through the use and conservation of agrobiodiversity and to deliver on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The challenge will highlight leading innovations that are helping to use, conserve, and consume agrobiodiversity in ways that are better for people and for the environment.

Who can participate

Applicants must be individuals, private companies, or institutions responsible for innovation with a demonstrated efficiency using novel tools, products, or services to enhance and promote sustainable food and agriculture.

• Startups
• International Organizations (IOs)
• National Agriculture Research System (NARS)
• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
• Private Companies
• Universities
• Individuals (e.g. farmers, processors, engineers, etc.)

Awards/Prizes/Benefits

• For Applicants:
  • Selected winners of the Agrobiodiversity Innovation Challenge will receive both in cash and in-kind prizes.
  • Cash prize: Two grants/free equity of USD $5,000 to each of the top two innovators based on level of excellence and innovation – (IFAD)
  • Mentoring: Support in fine-tuning business models and developing business plans, along with access to science and business development teams – (CGIAR/ IITA BIP)
    Partnership: Partnering with a CGIAR scientist or team to provide guidance and feedback on innovation – (CGIAR/ Alliance, IIT)
  • Matching: Participating in a Shark Tank/Dragon’s Den-like pitch to IFAD country teams for opportunities to match for further product development and/or scaling (IFAD)
  • Expertise: In-kind, post-award support will be provided to equip innovators with tools, technical assistance, strategic guidance, technological due diligence, mentorship, and access to a global community of scientists and to field operations to test and scale solutions – (CGIAR/ Alliance, IIT)
  • Training and Tuition: Three winning ideas (team or member) will receive two full scholarships worth USD $25,000 each, and one additional full tuition assistance for participation in the Master I Level Open Innovation & Youth Entrepreneurship course from CIHEAM Bari – (CIHEAM Bari).

• For Startups and Founders:
  • Visibility and recognition: Shortlisted teams will be featured on the Agrobiodiversity Congress website, reaching a global audience including international investors and organizations, as well as have the opportunity to pitch virtually to the Selection Committee.
    Networking: Teams will have the opportunity to meet and network with technical experts, international organizations, investors, private sector companies, and research institutions.
  • Corporate activities: Winning teams may be invited to opportunities for additional learning or exposure associated with the Agrobiodiversity Congress and Accelerate for Impact Platform, such as participating in social media campaigns, case studies, and webinars to foster the open innovation model and sustain entrepreneurship and innovation.

Deadline

Application deadline is 30 Sep 2021.

Entry fee

There is no entry fee.

Some useful information

Please visit rules, FAQ and previous winning entries from the official website to take part in Agrobiodiversity Innovation Challenge: Call for innovative solutions in the agri-food tech space.