Pitch AgriHack: Win big with agritech solutions

So, you think you’ve got the technology solution to advance food security in Africa? Or perhaps you’ve been working on an initiative to accelerate job creation in the continent’s agriculture sector? Here is your chance to share prizes worth $45 000 in this year’s Pitch AgriHack.

Youth technology innovators in Africa’s agriculture and food sectors are invited to apply to this competition presented by African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF), Heifer International and Generation Africa.

Ever year, Pitch AgriHack identifies innovative youth-led businesses with tech solutions to food security challenges. The most impactful start-ups win cash grants while benefiting from media and investor exposure.

In 2021, no less than six youth-led agribusinesses showcased market-ready innovations for African farmer. This included mobile crop processing machinery, produce delivery services and e-commerce and farm financing platforms.

Dr Agnes Kalibata, president of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), said, “The youth of Africa have a crucial role to play in our continent’s food and farming future. Food systems change is one of the most pressing global issues as humanity negotiates a new balance with the natural world amidst the undeniable impacts of climate change.”

Kalibata described Pitch AgriHack as a wonderful initiative that awards youth-led innovative agricultural businesses. “At the intersection of technology and agriculture, new innovations have the capacity to enable and uplift smallholder farmers, and drive agricultural transformation across Africa.”

Dickson Naftali, the head of Generation Africa, believes that Pitch AgriHack is about promoting digital jobs and smart technologies that appeal to the youth.

“This competition calls on the innovative minds of Africa to empower themselves and their communities by harnessing and developing ground-breaking technologies in the agri-food sector.

“We see a bright future on the horizon for the youth of Africa. Generation Africa, with the help of its partners like Heifer International, is working tirelessly to smooth out the obstacles that have traditionally prevented young people from embracing opportunities in the agriculture and food value chain.”

What to pitch at Pitch AgriHack

During Pitch AgriHack, $45 000 in prizes will be awarded to six winners in three open competition categories. Start-ups can compete as early-stage, mature or growth-stage, and woman-led ventures.

Farm equipment manufacturers, agricultural drone services for precision farming, data and analytics providers, mobile apps, online crowdfunding and finance platforms, e-commerce and logistics services, and more, have all featured strongly in the previous Pitch AgriHack competition.

Applications for Pitch AgriHack close on Friday, 29 July 2022. African founders or co-founders, aged 18 to 40, of technology-based and digital services businesses in the agriculture sector are eligible to enter the 2022 competition.

The top 12 applicants will be selected by an expert jury, followed by an award ceremony where three category winners and three runners-up will receive cash grants to grow their businesses.

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