Blog AgriTech4Egypt Innovation Challenge: That’s a wrap
On 17 December 2024, the AgriTech4Egypt Innovation Challenge wrapped up months of hard work through its final Demo Day, aimed at celebrating the achievements of 15 agri-tech innovation teams who successfully completed an intensive acceleration program, chosen from 900 applicants across 48 countries.
Held online, Demo Day brought together 127 attendees, comprising a diverse group of industry experts, public sector representatives, investors, venture capitalists, agribusinesses, research organizations, universities and agri-tech enthusiasts. The event kicked off with opening remarks of esteemed speakers, Professor Amr Farouk (Academy of Scientific Research and Technology), Dr. Michael Baum (ICARDA/CGIAR), and Dr. Maha Al-Zu’bi (IWMI/CGIAR), who underscored the critical role of public-private partnerships, science, and multidisciplinary innovations in tackling Egypt's agricultural challenges.
“Today, we celebrate the global interest in Agri-Tech innovations and the role of public-private partnerships in achieving food security in Egypt.” — Dr. Maha Al-Zu’bi, Regional Researcher – Sustainable and Resilient Water Systems - IWMI/CGIAR & Co-Lead of CGIAR's Regional Integrated Initiative Fragility to Resilience in CWANA
Rewatch the Demo Day:
Congratulations teams!
From a Lebanese start-up transforming sheep wool into soil enhancer pellets, to an Egyptian venture producing sustainable and affordable poultry feed additives using nanotechnology, and a UAE start-up developing next-generation optimization tools for milk production — all 15 teams delivered inspiring pitches at Demo Day, showcasing their science-based and innovative solutions.
Following a highly competitive multi-tiered selection process, 3 startups earned a spot on the winners' podium:
- Milkup - Transforms the way dairy and beef farms are managed by making operations more efficient, productive, animal-friendly, and environmentally sustainable.
- RAI-TECH – Provides smart automated irrigation system with three main objectives: using less water, promoting green practices, and rescuing struggling crops while increasing yield quality.
- Kadry-Group - Manufactures poultry feed additives that are healthy, eco-friendly and locally sourced, boosting growth by up to 50%, and acting as immunostimulants.
- Agrican - People's Choice Award - Creates precise data on soil health, pest management, and irrigation, by integrating sensors, drones, and AI analytics.
Well done to Afrotym - Al Murunah (International Water Management Institute (IWMI)) - Aqualife ifarms - CutiCoat - Geneina Green Systems - GeoAgro MiSR (ICARDA; International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas) - Grade A Plus SARL - KIPITFRESH - Lamarckii - OZ-TECH - P-Vita
The wrapping of a 5-month Acceleration Program
Following the Bootcamp in Belbeis, 15 ventures (11 Egypt-based and 4 international, of which 2 CGIAR innovations), were chosen for the Acceleration Program.
Through 15 business and science workshops and 270 hours of individualized mentorship, innovators enhanced their skills in business modeling, market research, internal process optimization, preparing for investments. With support from industry leaders and 18 CGIAR scientists, pilot testing opportunities, and tailored technical assistance, the AgriTech4Egypt cohort has made important progress. Here are some key highlights:
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Milkup successfully validated market demand for its product and officially entered the Egyptian market, preparing a comprehensive set of documents to attract investors.
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Lamarckii advanced in AI-driven hive disease detection, providing a significant technical advantage over competitors. This innovation reduces maintenance costs, enables early intervention, and positively impacts honey production and pollination.
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Kadry Group established a robust global network and engaged in strategic discussions with major farms in Saudi Arabia and Egypt, paving the way for substantial market expansion.
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Grade A Plus, a Lebanon-based company, conducted comprehensive market research and strengthened its team’s marketing capabilities to confidently secure a foothold in the Egyptian market.
'Thanks to the AgriTech4Egypt Accelerator Program, we have refined our value proposition and developed what we believe to be the world's first carbon credit system for beekeepers. This innovative solution allows beekeepers to offset the cost of acquiring Lamarckii's precision beekeeping technologies, making them more accessible.' — Waleed Salem, CEO and Founder - Lamarckii
Acknowledgements
The AgriTech4Egypt Innovation Challenge is more than just a program – it’s a launchpad for scaling. As the project concludes, teams are encouraged to stay connected and leverage the insights, connections, and experiences gained throughout the program to turn their visions into action. As part of A4IP’s global community of 4,000 innovators connected to a network of 9,000 scientists, teams are now equipped to contribute towards driving sustainable agricultural solutions that can uplift communities and build a resilient future for Egypt and beyond.
As we conclude this remarkable journey, we thank the Selection Committee, CGIAR Centers - ICARDA, IWMI, and IFPRI - and project partners, whose support and contributions were essential to making this project a reality.
Professor Amr Farouk, Assistant to the President, Academy of Scientific Research and Technology - Gianpiero Menza, Senior Manager, Partnerships & Innovative Finance, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT/CGIAR - Ahmed Ragab Mahmoud, Environmental Specialist, IWMI/CGIAR - Mohamed Wageih, Agro-food Project Officer, PRIMA Foundation - Sherief Kesseba, Managing Partner, Climate Resilient Africa Fund - Hassan ElSaghir, Head of Small Business Unit, ALEXBANK - Thoraya Seada, Project Manager, Carbon Footprint Center - Heliopolis University - Naiera Khaled, Senior Sustainability Consultant, Chemonics Egypt
Coming up next
Looking ahead to 2025, we are excited to launch Phase 2 of the AgriTech4Egypt Innovation Challenge – a series of 3 agri-tech projects over the next 3 years. This new chapter builds on the lessons learned and partnerships developed during this pilot phase to scale up efforts and deliver tangible impact by bringing affordable, context-specific agri-tech solutions to farmers and end-users. Let’s stay connected – together, we strive to cultivate the future of agri-tech and build a thriving ecosystem in Egypt and the MENA region.
Find out more about us on our website. Follow us on LinkedIn and watch our videos on YouTube.
The AgriTech4Egypt Innovation Challenge is powered by CGIAR Accelerate for Impact Platform (A4IP) and co-organized with CGIAR Centers – The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, ICARDA, IWMI, and IFPRI–the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT) of Egypt, Chemonics Egypt Consultants, and Berytech. This project is endorsed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Egypt (MOHESR) and supported by PRIMA, Climate Resilient Africa Fund (CRAF), ALEX BANK, Sustainable Agriculture Foundation Africa (SAF-Africa) formerly Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture, SEKEM, and CGIAR Initiatives and units operating in the MENA region.
Cover picture: Photo taken at the AgriTech4Egypt Innovation Challenge, Bootcamp - 10-13 June 2024, Belbeis
