The AgriTech4Kenya Innovation Challenge 2024 has been launched, aiming to transform Kenya’s agri-food systems by supporting a global cohort of innovators.
This initiative is focused on developing and scaling high-impact, science-based agri-tech solutions tailored to the needs of smallholder farmers and agricultural value chain players in Kenya.
The challenge seeks to address critical issues in Kenya’s agricultural sector, including food security, climate change, and urbanization. With the country’s annual food imports exceeding $1.1 billion, the need for innovative solutions has become increasingly urgent.
AgriTech4Kenya aims to create a pipeline of deployable technologies that are both effective and accessible to farmers and value chain actors, ensuring that innovations are not only impactful but also easy to adopt.
By nurturing an enabling environment, the initiative hopes to attract investments and reduce the risks associated with developing new technologies, fostering a landscape where innovation can thrive.
“By bridging the gap between research and market adoption, the AgriTech4Kenya Innovation Challenge has been launched with the goal of addressing the most critical challenges in Kenya's agricultural value chain while driving economic growth, sustainability, and resilience,” Pangea Accelerator said in a statement.The program is designed for international early-stage innovators with a minimum viable product (MVP) or proof of concept (POC). Participants will receive comprehensive support, including business mentorship, scientific technical validation, market opportunities, and on-the-ground experimentation with end-users to pilot their solutions.
The AgriTech4Kenya Innovation Challenge will focus on several key priority areas, including sustainable agricultural production, improved market access, and supply chain efficiency, knowledge sharing for gender equality and social inclusion, livestock health, equitable finance, and sustainable irrigation practices.
These areas are crucial for addressing the unique challenges faced by Kenya’s agriculture sector.
Additionally, the challenge emphasizes empowering rural communities, particularly women and young people, by creating employment opportunities and building a skilled workforce.
The initiative is aligned with Kenya’s Big 4 Agenda, the Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy, and Vision 2030, as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to contribute to the country’s broader development objectives.
The program offers participants various benefits, including access to an immersive bootcamp in Kenya, connections with agribusinesses and large agri-food corporations, a fully-sponsored acceleration program, and exposure to investors.
Innovators will also have the opportunity to connect with CGIAR’s global network of scientists and receive individualized technical assistance from matched researchers.
In addition to external applicants, CGIAR scientists with an entrepreneurial approach to their research are encouraged to apply and benefit from the project’s offerings.
Through this challenge, AgriTech4Kenya aims to foster a landscape where innovation can thrive, ultimately driving economic growth, sustainability, and resilience in Kenya’s agricultural sector.
