The United Nations University Institute for Natural Resources in Africa (UNU INRA) announces the launch of the Innovate for Clean Agricultural Technologies (INFoCAT) project. Sponsored by IDRC under the Clean Energy for Development: A Call for Action program, and in partnership with Enda Energie, INFoCAT aims to support low-cost clean energy-powered agritech innovators. The initiative targets smallholder women and youth farmers in Ghana, Senegal, and Cote D’Ivoire, with the goal of enhancing agricultural productivity and income sustainably.
Objectives of the Innovation Challenge:
– Support the development and expansion of affordable, clean energy-powered agricultural technology solutions to reduce labor and enhance efficiency.
– Foster clean energy agriculture technology start-ups, with a focus on women-led enterprises, and adapt products to meet the needs of smallholder rural farmers.
– Provide mentorship, networking, and training opportunities for innovators.
Eligibility & Criteria:
– Innovators or enterprises must be based in Ghana.
– Agritech technology must be powered by clean energy and demonstrate energy efficiency.
– Technology should cater to the needs of small to medium-scale holder rural farmers in priority crop areas.
– Solutions must reduce manual labor, be cost-effective, scalable, and reduce CO2 emissions.
– Teams with diverse backgrounds, including gender intersectionality with women’s inclusion, are encouraged.
– Priority given to women and youth innovators.
– Innovations should have the potential for broader clean energy applications.
grant Opportunities:
– Pilot grants ranging from USD 3,000 to 7,400 available for approximately 10 innovations/teams/enterprises.
– Business scale-up grant support of USD 30,000 to 37,000 for one innovation/team.
Priority Areas:
Innovations should address challenges related to irrigation, planting, harvesting, processing, and post-harvest management in rice, groundnut, maize, and cassava production.
Application Deadline: June 7, 2024.
Apply HERE
About UNU INRA:
UNU-INRA, a Research Institute of the United Nations University, focuses on bridging the gap between science and natural resources management policies in Africa. Established in 1985, it contributes to research and evidence-based policymaking, promoting sustainable development through climate-sensitive natural resource governance.
For media inquiries, contact Vanessa Awanyo at [email protected].
This initiative seeks to revolutionize agritech with clean energy, driving sustainable agricultural development in Africa. Apply now to be part of the solution!
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