AGRI-Business Innovation Challenge

Improving healthy food supply chain in Nigeria

About the Challenge

Solutions for Food Supply Chain

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), a Swiss-based foundation launched at the UN in 2002 to tackle the human suffering caused by malnutrition in partnership with the Nigeria Climate Innovation Center (NCIC) has co-created the Agribusiness Innovation Challenge to attract eligible agritech startups with solutions for improving the food supply chain in Nigeria.

The Challenge aims to identify, develop, and scale innovative solutions to food safety challenges and a healthier food supply chain that can meet the needs of a growing population while also addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change in Nigeria. In addition, the challenge which is a part of GAIN’s Strengthening Nutrition in Priority Staples project provides technical assistance training to women and youth-led start-ups to strengthen their capacity, improve their access to financial services, and develop their business concepts leveraging innovation to improve food supply chain efficiency in Nigeria.

Applications are now open to all eligible agri-tech startups in Nigeria.

Eligibility

Women and Youths aged 18-35 years (Female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply)
Applicants must have agri-business innovations that can address and solve the Food Supply Chain challenges in Nigeria.
Shortlisted candidates should be willing to commit to all programme deliverables.
Finalists should be willing to test and replicate their solutions in the following states of Nigeria; Benue, Kaduna, Nasarawa and Ibadan
All Applicants must have businesses registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)
Previous beneficiaries are ineligible to apply

Challenge Areas

The challenge seeks solutions that addresses any of these thematic areas.

This challenge welcomes solutions or viable products that address FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN challenges with an outcome of achieving food safety and quality as well as healthier diets for all.

Examples of solutions may include and not limited to the following thematic areas:

Supply Chain Traceability

Innovations that enable producers and consumers to quickly track and trace the history of food products throughout the supply chain, from farm to fork. Innovations such as blockchain technology, smart sensors, product monitoring, handling conditions and compliance technology.

Last-Mile Distribution Networks.

Deployment of technology-enabled distribution networks/platforms to improve access to agricultural inputs and produce, such as seeds, fertilizers, and equipment, in remote areas including technology that optimizes and improves last mile delivery routes. Examples: Digital Agricultural marketplaces, logistics and transportation technology

Climate Smart Financing

Technology or products that offer innovative financing that addresses climate related risks experienced by agricultural producers such as droughts, floods, pests, and diseases. Examples: financing for solar-enabled solutions and other alternative energy sources

Agricultural Productivity and Efficiency

Technology that Optimizes processing techniques, equipment, and operations to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance product quality and consistency Examples: Cold chain infrastructure, automated processing technology, and farm management systems

Post Harvest Loss Management

Solutions that improve post-harvest handling, storage, processing, and distribution practices. Examples: Low cost food produce storage solutions, cold storage for perishables and mobile processing units.

What we offer

Shortlisted early-stage startups with a Minimum Viable Product should expect to go through the following process from the programme;

Pitch Readiness bootcamp

Technical Assistance Programme

Deal Day

Demo Day

Mentorship Community

$20,000 EQUITY-FREE GRANT

Terms and Conditions

Participants of the Agribusiness Innovation Challenge/events stand a chance to win sponsored grant and technical assistance prizes. However, the Judges have the sole responsibility of, and discretion in selecting winners, and the judges’ decisions are final. The value of these prizes is to be at the sole discretion of the organizers.
Prize winners must use cash or technical assistance prizes for business or research purposes related to agritech innovation.
Participants who are awarded a prize shall be obliged to sign a grant agreement with GAIN detailing how they intend to use the prize funds, including a disbursement schedule.
The judges and/or organizers shall have the right to withdraw any cash prize from a participant who fails or refuses to comply with the obligation in this clause.
Prize recipients will be expected to share periodic reports detailing how the funds are being used, as agreed with the organizers.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, the organizers will not be liable for the cancellation/postponement/change of sponsored prizes.

Application Process

Applications are open to all eligible agri-tech startups in Nigeria

Application closes 26th, July 2024

Further enquiries can be directed to info@nigeriacic.org