In a major push to modernize North African agriculture, the CGIAR Accelerate for Impact Platform (A4IP) and its strategic partners have officially unveiled the AgriTech4Tunisia Innovation Challenge. This initiative is designed to scout and scale high-potential, practical agri-tech solutions within Tunisia, one of the region’s most vibrant and rapidly evolving innovation hubs.
The program serves as a bridge between scientific research and market-ready entrepreneurship, focusing on transforming early-stage ventures into sustainable, investment-ready businesses.
Who Should Apply?
The challenge is open to both national and international innovators who have moved beyond the ideation phase. Ideal candidates should meet the following criteria:
- Product Maturity: Possess a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), preferably one that has undergone initial validation with actual end-users.
- Funding Stage: Be actively seeking capital at the Pre-Seed or Seed stage.
- Impact Focus: Demonstrate a clear ability to serve smallholder farmers and value chain actors while addressing specific market gaps.
Priority Innovation Areas
To ensure the solutions tackle Tunisia’s most pressing agricultural hurdles, applicants must address at least one of the following pillars:
- Water Resilience: Smart irrigation, sustainable water management, and non-conventional water sources (e.g., desalination or wastewater reuse).
- Input Efficiency: Precision agriculture tools and systems for optimizing fertilizer, seed, and pesticide use.
- Climate Adaptation: Services and technologies that promote climate-smart agricultural practices.
- Market Efficiency: Post-harvest loss reduction and improved access to markets.
- Financial Inclusion: Agri-finance tools and insurance products tailored for the agricultural sector.
- Circular Economy: Strengthening value chains through waste reduction and resource recycling.
- Knowledge Transfer: Digital extension services and tech-driven capacity building for rural communities.
The Program Roadmap
Phase 1: The Immersive Bootcamp
A select cohort of 20 innovation teams will participate in an intensive, fully funded four-day bootcamp in Tunisia. This phase is designed to provide “boots on the ground” experience through:
- On-farm visits for direct feedback from farmers and local stakeholders.
- Bespoke mentorship and high-intensity pitch coaching.
- Ecosystem integration via networking with agribusinesses and project partners.
Phase 2: The Three-Month Accelerator
From the initial cohort, 10 standout teams will advance to an equity-free acceleration phase. This stage focuses on deep technical and business interventions, including:
- Gap Analysis: Tailored training to fix specific weaknesses identified during the bootcamp.
- Scientific Backing: Access to technical assistance from CGIAR scientists.
- Pilot Readiness: Development of a concrete pilot plan, an evidence-based pitch deck, and an investor-ready teaser.
The journey culminates in a high-stakes Demo Day, where entrepreneurs pitch to a room of industry leaders, venture capitalists, and scientific experts.
However, graduation is just the beginning. Alumni of the program gain exclusive post-program support, including:
- Facilitated B2B introductions to secure future pilots and deployment.
- Direct access to CGIAR’s world-class scientific infrastructure and global innovation platforms.
- Continuous alerts for funding opportunities and high-level networking events.
Applications are open here until February 12.
