Sobre

Overview

The CircularEconomy4Ghana Innovation Challenge 2026 supports innovative technologies that strengthen Ghana’s circular economy, improve food security, and enhance resilience within the agricultural sector.

The programme is designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs test, validate, and scale their innovations into market-ready solutions through business mentorship, market access, product validation, pilot testing, and connections with industry partners.

The challenge is led by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT through the Accelerate for Impact Platform (A4IP), and implemented in partnership with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) / ITPO, and E4Impact, with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy.

Objectives

The challenge aims to:

• Support entrepreneurs developing circular economy solutions for agriculture.
• Accelerate the growth of early-stage agri-tech innovations.
• Strengthen food security and sustainability within Ghana’s agricultural sector.
• Connect innovators with scientific expertise, investors, agribusinesses, and ecosystem partners.
• Enable solutions that deliver measurable benefits to smallholder farmers and agricultural value chain actors.

Eligible Applicants

The programme is seeking:

• Early-stage agri-tech startups with a working Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
• Solutions that have ideally been tested with end-users.
• Teams actively fundraising at the pre-seed or seed stage.
• Innovations addressing real market needs and local agricultural challenges.
• Ventures with potential to scale and create impact for farmers and value chain stakeholders.

Priority Innovation Areas

Applications should address at least one of the following areas:

• Innovative Financing and Financial Access for Circular Agri-Enterprises
  • Solutions improving access to finance and enabling circular agriculture business models.
• Digital Advisory and Knowledge-Sharing Systems for Circular Agriculture
  • Digital platforms and tools supporting farmers with information, services, and knowledge.
• Waste Segregation, Collection, and Valorization Systems
  • Technologies transforming agricultural waste into valuable resources.
• Nutrient Recovery and Circular Soil Fertility Solutions
  • Innovations improving soil health and sustainable nutrient management.
• Traceability, Data, and Supply Chain Efficiency for Circular Value Chains
  • Digital solutions improving transparency, efficiency, and market connections.
• Inclusive Circular Business Models for Youth and Women
  • Approaches supporting inclusive participation in sustainable agricultural enterprises.

Programme Benefits

Selected innovators will receive:

• A deeper understanding of Ghana’s agricultural ecosystem.
• A fully funded four-day immersive bootcamp in Accra, Ghana.
• Strategic connections with agribusinesses and ecosystem partners.
• Expert guidance from CGIAR scientists and UNIDO specialists.
• A three-month sponsored accelerator programme combining:
  • Entrepreneurial training.
  • Technical assistance.
  • Business development support.
• Opportunities to connect with investors and commercial partners.
• Support to develop go-to-market strategies, validate technologies, and access market opportunities.

Application Information

Interested innovators can apply until:

8 August 2026, 23:59 UTC

Applicants should demonstrate that their solution:

• Uses technology or innovation to address agricultural challenges.
• Supports circular economy principles.
• Has potential for market adoption and scalability.
• Creates value for farmers and agricultural stakeholders.

Organisers and Partners

The CircularEconomy4Ghana Innovation Challenge is delivered by:

• Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT through the Accelerate for Impact Platform (A4IP).
• International Water Management Institute (IWMI).
• United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) / ITPO.
• E4Impact.

The initiative is endorsed by Ghana’s National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) and supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.