By Tosin Somorin & Solomie Gebrezgabher
Innovation lies at the heart of transforming Kenya’s agrifood systems, and the Agritech4Kenya Challenge provided the perfect platform to showcase groundbreaking solutions. Through a dynamic bootcamp and pitch event, teams presented their ideas to a panel of experts, aiming to tackle pressing agricultural challenges with scalable, sustainable, and impactful innovations.
The call for innovations covered six critical areas: sustainable agricultural production; improving market access and supply chain efficiency; knowledge sharing and capacity building for gender and social inclusion; livestock health and disease management; equitable finance and investment mechanisms; and water use efficiency and sustainable irrigation practices. It received an overwhelming 300 applications. A rigorous evaluation process ensued, where innovations were assessed based on four key criteria: value proposition, sustainability and scalability, scientific relevance, and maturity level. From these submissions, 45 innovations were shortlisted. After further evaluation, 25 teams were selected to participate in a fully funded bootcamp program and intensive journey of learning, collaboration, and networking opportunities.
Supporting ecosystems of innovations
Participants received tailored support through a variety of learning formats, including masterclasses, interactive workshops, and immersive field visits. During the masterclasses, participants accessed useful knowledge from leading specialists, exploring topics such as the lean business canvas model, entrepreneurial mindset, and sustainability approaches. The interactive workshops facilitated hands-on learning experiences, allowing innovators to develop their solutions in real time while receiving constructive feedback from peers and experts alike. Field visits provided practical insights, enabling participants to witness successful agricultural practices and innovations in action, thereby contextualizing their learning.
During a masterclass, participants also reimagined their innovations through the lens of sustainability. The session highlighted Circular Economy principles, emphasizing the need for intentionality in sustainable design and prioritizing business models that do not deplete resources, harm ecosystems, or exacerbate inequalities. This includes redesigning to enhance the longevity of products and incorporating strategies that incentivize responsible consumption, such as buy-back schemes and traceability strategies for transparent communication around sustainability efforts.
The program focused on early-stage mentorship, pairing innovators with experienced professionals who provided tailored guidance. Participants also gained access to the CGIAR network, connecting with leading scientists and industry experts and networking with agribusinesses, potential investors, policymakers, and research institutions. A collaborative platform for innovation cultivates an enabling environment for future breakthroughs. This holistic approach not only supports participants’ immediate needs but also contributes to a broader dialogue about agri-tech innovations, setting the stage for long-term advancements.
Catalyzing Kenya’s agrifood systems transformation
The Challenge culminated at the Kenya Innovation Week in Nairobi, where the teams pitched their innovations to a panel of experts, partners, and potential investors. The experts assessed the viability, scalability, and sustainability of innovations. They provided valuable feedback and ensured alignment with Kenya’s agrifood priorities, selecting impactful, science-driven solutions for agricultural transformation. The teams were evaluated on five core criteria: innovative potential, market relevance, scientific and technical rigor, scalability and sustainability, and team capacity and commitment. Following the event, the top 15 teams were identified to participate in the AgriTech4Kenya Accelerator Program for entrepreneurial training with technical assistance.
The Agritech4Kenya Challenge is supported by a coalition of leading organizations, including the CGIAR Accelerate for Impact Platform of the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT in partnership with CGIAR Initiative on Nature-Positive Solutions with support from International Water Management Institute and the CGIAR Initiative on Excellence in Agronomy.