National Youth Agri-Innovation Challenge: Empowering Young Nepali Agri-Entrepreneurs (Top three startups receive NPR 100,000 each)

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About National Youth Agri-Innovation Challenge

The "National Youth Agri Innovation Challenge" is a dynamic initiative focused on encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship among the youth. Supported by FAO and UNDP, and implemented by Youth Innovation Lab, the Agri Innovation Challenge aims to support nascent, early, and/or growth-stage youth entrepreneurs in the agri-food sector.

This programme is designed to empower young agri-entrepreneurs from all seven provinces of Nepal. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in dynamic sessions led by industry experts, explore innovative agricultural techniques, and deepen their understanding of the national agriculture context and food security issues. The programme focuses on capacity building and uses the Business Model Canvas framework to help participants craft and refine strategies to effectively scale their agricultural enterprises.

• Sponsor Organisation: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

Benefits of National Youth Agri-Innovation Challenge

Residential Bootcamp and Networking: Participate in a three-day event in Kathmandu, engage with key stakeholders, and explore innovative agricultural techniques. Benefit from dynamic sessions led by industry experts  

Funding and Recognition: Top three startups receive NPR 100,000 each, acknowledging their innovative solutions and potential impact. 

Mentorship: The winning startups are empowered through the Springboard Plus Pre-accelerator Programmes, enhanced by expert mentorship and comprehensive capacity-building sessions. 

National Youth Agri-Innovation Challenge Requirements

• Citizenship and Age Requirements: Open to Nepali citizens aged between 18-31 years.

• Industry Focus: We invite startups from the Agri-Food Sector, including but not limited to farming, food processing, agri-tech, supply chain management, organic and sustainable agriculture.
• Business Registration: Only startups that are officially registered on July 2022 or after that are eligible for this innovation challenge.
• Team Composition: Each participating startup must be represented by two individuals, with at least one female representative. This criterion supports our commitment to gender diversity and inclusion.
• Passion and Purpose: Ideal participants are those with a profound dedication to addressing agricultural challenges and developing meaningful solutions. Applicants should demonstrate a readiness to engage proactively with other entrepreneurs, industry experts, and stakeholders to drive innovation and growth within the agri-food sector.
• Geographical Diversity: We aim to include scalable and sustainable businesses from all provinces to ensure a diverse and representative cohort.

• Availability: Participants must be available to attend the bootcamp from 15 to 17 July 2024.

Startups led by indigenous youth, women, LGBTIQA+ individuals, persons with disabilities, and religious minorities, are strongly encouraged to apply. Startups from all seven provinces of Nepal are encouraged to apply.

Application Date and Process

1. Complete Application Form

Fill out the Application form thoroughly. 

2. Application Review

The selection committee will review all applications. 

3. Contact for Next Steps

Chosen participants will be contacted for further steps 

Application Deadline

04 July, 2024

Scholarship Application Portal

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