The Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC) has officially opened the call for applications for the 2024 AgriTech Challenge Pro program. The nominations will be accepted until November 24th, 2023, for a program supported by the Mastercard Foundation through the KIC and Mastercard Foundation partnership. The collaboration aims to empower the next generation of young leaders and entrepreneurs in Ghana’s agricultural sector.
The AgriTech Challenge Pro Program
The AgriTech Challenge Pro program, facilitated by KIC, is a five-month accelerator initiative designed to assist young entrepreneurs in launching and expanding commercially viable, scalable solutions addressing crucial challenges in the agricultural sector.
Driving Technology and Innovation in Agriculture
With the support of the Mastercard Foundation, the program seeks to leverage technology and innovation as catalysts for enhancing productivity, improving yields, and generating more job opportunities within Ghana’s agricultural landscape.
Selection Criteria and Participants
Participants are selected from the AgriTech Challenge Classic program and existing startups prepared to nurture their businesses for investor readiness. At the conclusion of the training, KIC and its partners will provide selected businesses with seed funding of up to USD 50,000.
Impactful Insights from Past Winners
Past winners of the competition emphasize the transformative impact of the capacity-building and coaching received through the AgriTech Challenge Pro program. Caroline Amanor, co-founder and CEO of Maku Foods, a KIC-supported business and 2022 AgriTech Challenge Pro winner, shared the growth and success of her business attributed to the insights gained from the training.
Empowering Youth in Agriculture
KIC remains committed to empowering young individuals by providing innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities within the agricultural value chain. The 2023 AgriTech Challenge Pro saw KIC awarding $350,000 worth of seed funding to 11 startups, reflecting the program’s dedication to fostering growth and sustainability in the agricultural sector.
Building Success Stories
Caroline Amanor, reflecting on her experience, stated, “We started very small. We were introduced to the KIC program, and since we joined, we have learned a lot. KIC helped position our business for growth and investor readiness.”
Encouraging Future Leaders
As the call for applications for the 2024 AgriTech Challenge Pro program opens, KIC continues its mission to inspire and equip the youth to contribute significantly to the agricultural sector’s development. The program plays a pivotal role in shaping future leaders and fostering innovation in Ghana’s agricultural landscape.**