Apply for the FCMB Agritech Hackathon and Venture Building 2024

The FCMB Agritech Hackathon and Venture Building Programme for 2024 is now open for applications. This exciting initiative is designed to support and accelerate early-stage agritech businesses across Africa.

If you have an innovative agritech startup, this programme offers a unique opportunity to grow and thrive in the agricultural sector.

Programme Overview

What is the FCMB Agritech Hackathon and Venture Building Programme?

The FCMB Agritech Hackathon and Venture Building Programme is a six-month initiative aimed at finding and nurturing early-stage agritech startups. The programme is structured to provide comprehensive support, including cash awards, mentorship, and venture building resources.

Key Phases of the Programme

1. Hackathon: A three-month phase focused on developing innovative solutions in agritech. Participants will work on creating and refining their ideas.
2. Venture Building: This phase includes six weeks of intensive support to help scale and enhance the business. Teams will receive guidance and resources to further develop their ventures.
3. Investor Day and Documentary Premiere: The programme concludes with an Investor Day, where startups can showcase their solutions to potential investors, followed by a documentary premiere highlighting the journey of the participants.

Thematic Areas

The FCMB Agritech Hackathon addresses several crucial areas in agritech innovation:

• Funding the Future of Agriculture: Explore strategies for securing financial support for agritech ventures.
• Credit Where Credit is Due: Address challenges related to access to credit for agribusinesses.
• Infrastructure Innovation: Develop new solutions for agricultural infrastructure improvements.
• AgriTech for Productivity: Enhance productivity through technological advancements.
• Market Access for Smallholder Farmers: Improve market access for small farmers.
• Empowering Farmers through Training: Provide training to boost farmers’ skills and knowledge.
• Securing the Food Supply: Focus on ensuring a stable food supply through innovative solutions.
• Scaling Smallholder Farms: Support the growth and scaling of smallholder farms.
• Agribusiness for Economic Growth: Promote agribusiness as a driver of economic growth.
• Data Management for Smallholder Farmers: Improve data management practices to benefit smallholder farmers.

Benefits for Participants

What Can You Gain from the Programme?

• Cash Awards: Financial rewards for winners to support their ventures.
• Mentorship: Access to guidance and advice from industry experts and leaders.
• Venture Building Support: Top teams receive funding, office space, and marketing support.
• Industry Networks: Opportunities to connect with key industry professionals and stakeholders.
• Partnerships and Investments: Potential for collaboration and investment from various partners.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the FCMB Agritech Hackathon and Venture Building Programme, you must:

• Have an early-stage agritech business idea.
• Form a team with relevant skills in agriculture, technology, business, and marketing.
• Demonstrate a strong passion for agriculture and commitment to the programme.
• Be a legally registered company or individual team of innovators.

How to Apply

Application Process

Applications are accepted online via the FCMB Agritech Hackathon and Venture Building Programme application page.

Application Deadline: 5th September 2024

Ensure to complete your application before the deadline to be considered for this valuable opportunity. In case you missed it, we recently published a post on, AfDB-Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (AfDB-JADS) 2025.