Tech

AgriTech4Egypt Innovation Challenge opens applications for tech-prenuers

Published

8 months ago

March 26, 2024

The 2024 edition of the AgriTech4Egypt Innovation Challenge has called for applications from tech-prenuers and purpose-driven scientists working on agri-tech solutions for a more sustainable, efficient, and climate-resilient agricultural system in Egypt.

A notice on the website of the organizers of the programme on Tuesday said the programme is designed to give participants an edge in validating and deploying agri-tech venture in Egypt

“We are looking for purpose-driven scientists and entrepreneurs working on agri-tech solutions for a more sustainable, efficient, and climate-resilient agricultural system in Egypt,” the notice said.

It added that the AgriTech4Egypt Innovation Challenge is designed specifically for early-stage agri-tech ventures in the north African country with a “minimum viable product (MVP) or proof of concept (POC), and plans to support and prepare them to build a solid go-to-market strategy through technical validation and access to the market.”

“We are looking for agri-tech innovations in priority areas such as digital agriculture and precision farming, agri-finance solutions, sustainable value chain development, capacity building tools, and efficient irrigation water management,” it said.

“Selected ventures will receive the tools and step-by-step support to build the foundations of an agri-tech venture for scalable growth in Egypt, benefitting from a fully funded, four-day immersive bootcamp, connecting with a network of partners and agribusinesses, accessing expert guidance from CGIAR scientists and industry experts, plus a sponsored six-month acceleration programme.

“They will also be able to test and validate their solution on the ground with end-users for up to six months, receive up to EGP300,000 (US$6,500) as an equity-free grant provided by ASRT, and gain exposure to investors and market opportunities.

“Applications are open until April 21, with the accelerator programme taking place between June and October, and a demo day set for November,” it added.

Related Topics:AgriTech4Egypt Application Featured Scientists Tech-Prenuers

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Tech

Tanzania to host 6th Ocean Innovation Africa summit in February

Published

23 hours ago

November 20, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, has been selected to host the sixth edition of the Ocean Innovation Africa (OIA) summit from February 24-28, 2025, as a flagship event within Regenerative Ocean Week.

The Ocean Innovation Africa is set to be Africa’s most significant platform for Ocean Innovation conservation, and sustainable development in the blue economy. OIA2025 will be co-organised with leading partners, including IUCN, GIZ, OceanHub Africa, Catalyze and the Ocean-Climate Platform.

With the theme, “Science-to-Solution”, the Regenerative Ocean Week will present a line-up of sessions designed to bridge the gap between scientific research, business innovation, policy, and community engagement.

According to the organizers of the event, it will bring together African ocean innovators, investors, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders to explore practical solutions that can be applied across the continent.

“These include the OIA Pitch Competition, which is a platform for Africa-based startups and entrepreneurs to showcase breakthrough ideas in ocean-impact solutions, allowing them to connect with investors and industry leaders and emphasizing Africa’s role in driving sustainable ocean initiatives,” the organizers said in a statement.

Tech

Orange Egypt earmarks $52.7m to support African startups

Published

2 days ago

November 19, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Orange Egypt has earmarked the sum of $52.7 million to support African startups in what is going to be the largest investment to drive a youth-focused tech revolution.

According to the company, the mammoth investment will see over 40 startups benefitting from the funds, with most of them being Egyptian companies.

‘It’s a boost for Egypt’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and a step closer to cementing its spot as a top startup hub in Africa,” the company said in a statement.

The investment is coming on the heels of the telco signing a deal with the Egyptian government to roll out the second phase of its 5G licensing.

The statement noted that with Egypt’s startup game already strong and ranking as the third most funded country in the MENA region, “the numbers speak for themselves.”

“In 2022, Egyptian startups closed 143 funding deals worth nearly $766.7 million, outpacing the $606.79 million raised the year before.

“Plus over 2,100 startups employing more than 50,000 people, the country’s ecosystem is one of the top 10 emerging startup hubs globally.

“The Egyptian government is all in on this. And since launching initiatives like Egypt Ventures in 2017, they’ve been backing startups to drive innovation and growth in the tech space.

“Orange Egypt’s latest move only adds fuel to this already blazing fire, paving the way for more opportunities and a stronger startup culture across Africa,” it added.