Crenov8 Consulting, organizers of the biggest African-Middle East Agro Conference; Meet the Farmers Conference (MTFC) have selected five start-ups from Kenya to Pitch at the Innov8Agric Challenge, based on the originality, viability and innovativeness of the ideas.
The challenge is scheduled to hold during MTFC Kenya, Nairobi where they would compete for a chance to win the $5,000 grant prize at the maiden edition of the Agric Innovation Contest.
Qualitrace, a Ghana-based traceability and anti-counterfeiting startup that uses track and trace technology to authenticate product farm inputs and outputs won the Ghana edition of Innov8Agric Challenge.
The challenge is aimed at promoting ground-breaking ideas for early stage Agric entrepreneurs from all sectors in the agricultural ecosystem, using creative and innovative methods to change the landscape of its value chain in Africa. The competition will guide Agri-tech entrepreneurs around their way in the industry and will open them up to funding and investment opportunities in Africa and the GCC region.
The winner from Kenya will get an all-expense paid trip to Dubai for the Grand Finale of the challenge, a $5000 grant, as well as investment opportunities from African and GCC investors, opportunities for business expansion and access to experts and mentors in agribusiness.
The Kenyan edition of the Innov8Agric will bring together innovative ideas across East Africa during the Meet the Farmers Conference, holding at the Intercontinental Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya on 21st September 2018.
The chosen start-ups are;
Agrifor
Agrifor is a social enterprise committed to empowerment and poverty eradication one farm at a time by bridging the existing gaps in supply of high quality seed and seedlings. They provide affordable integrated solution of high value dryland seed, seedlings and crops such as mukau (Melia volkensii), and legumes for smallholder farmers.
Dophia
They aim to train farmers on sustainable methods through climate-smart techniques. The Dophia idea involves setting up of a productive and integrated demo farm where farmers are trained.
Agronomy Plus
It is a web-app, USSD based platform that provides; on demand extension service (agronomists) to small holder farmers closest to them at half the cost and provide traceability report for off-takers.
Vinis
Their idea is centred around a Plant-derived bio-pesticide by the name Molepse Bio resource that will help curb post-harvest losses of maize and other grains. The product is not only a repellent, it is also toxic to all major post-harvest pests.
AgriQ & Automations
An automated solar-powered evaporative cooler that offers a convenient, yet affordable and efficient way of extending the shelf-life of perishable farm produce in off-grid areas. The design details the replacement of charcoal with briquettes in the traditional cooler to make the cooler greener and more effective.
One winner from the shortlisted candidates will go on to pitch before a global audience at the MTFC Grand Finale which will hold on 4th & 5th November 2018 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The five start-ups were selected based on the innovation, originality, and viability of their ideas and were vetted by top-notch entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders across Africa.
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