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Ireme Invest AgriTech4Rwanda Innovation Challenge

 

Call for Applications

Call for Applications

 

The AgriTech4Rwanda Innovation Challenge, powered by the Rwanda Green Fund through Ireme Invest, in collaboration with the CGIAR Hub for Sustainable Finance (ImpactSF) and the CGIAR Accelerate for Impact Platform (A4IP), with funding from the Gates Foundation, is a groundbreaking initiative designed to enhance climate resilience in Rwanda’s agricultural sector.

 

Why This Matters

Agriculture is at the heart of Rwanda’s economy, contributing 25% of GDP and employing 65% of the population. However, climate change remains a critical challenge, impacting smallholder farmers who face erratic rainfall, soil degradation, and limited financial access. This initiative will bridge these gaps by providing support to scalable, science-driven Agri-Tech solutions that address climate risks, enhance resilience, and align with Rwanda’s Strategic Plan for the Transformation of Agriculture (PSTA IV).

AgriTech4Rwanda Innovation Challenge 2025 aim is scouting, accelerating, and funding science-based Agri-Tech solutions aligned with Rwanda’s agricultural and climate resilience goals. The initiative supports technologies in the agricultural sector that will increase resilience, agricultural risk management, adaptation solutions and services, and gender and social inclusion, all while responding to the national climate and sustainability goals.

We invite early-stage to growth ventures within the AgriTech sector to apply for technical assistance and funding through the AgriTech4Rwanda Innovation Challenge.

 

Why Apply?

This programme offers:

✔ Tailored technical assistance to scale your venture

✔ Investment opportunities, including recoverable grants of up to RWF 300,000,000

✔ Expert mentorship from leading industry professionals

✔ Exposure & networking wit investors, policymakers, and agribusinesses leaders

✔ A platform to de-risk adaptation investments and foster climate-smart agricultural solutions

 

Priority Sectors: 

We welcome applications from businesses working in the following key areas:

✔ Irrigation solutions – Addressing droughts and dry spells

✔ Resilient livestock practices – Innovations for cows and goats

✔ Precision farming – Smart agricultural technology applications

✔ Climate & Weather Services (CWS) – Providing data-driven insights for farmers

✔ Climate-resilient inputs – Drought-tolerant seeds, fertilizers, and nutrient-rich crops

✔ Post-harvest management – Cold storage, digital storage, and processing solutions

✔ Other innovative Agri-Tech solutions aligned with climate adaptation needs

Programme Timeline



Programme Components

  • Call for Applications Opens: March 18, 2025.
  • Application Deadline: April 30, 2025 (23:59 PM, CAT).
  • 25 Teams Shortlisted will be given an opportunity to participate in a 3-day in-person bootcamp.
  • 15 Teams Accelerated through mentorship and capacity-building.
  • Up to 5 Teams Selected for recoverable grant financing and post-accelerator bespoke technical assistance.

Eligibility

Applications will be assessed based on the following:

✔ Relevance to Rwanda’s agricultural context and the Challenge’s priority sectors

✔ Scientific and technical feasibility

✔ Proven financial track record

✔ Innovation, sustainability, and scalability

✔ Direct impact on farmer resilience and climate adaptation

✔ Team capacity and execution ability



Who Can Apply?

This challenge is open to early-stage to growth ventures that are driving Agri-Tech adaptation solutions in Rwanda. Applicants should:

✔ Address climate change challenges within the agricultural sector

✔Innovations should address the priority areas and have a tech component

How To Apply

Interested entrepreneurs and businesses can submit their applications via the online via www.greenfund.rw/ireme-invest/

  • Webinar & Info Sessions will be available to guide applicants through the process.

More information

For additional details, contact : application@greenfund.rw

  •  Join us in building climate-smart agricultural solutions for Rwanda!

Key Documents

The Fund encourages all applicants to download and read the available documents prior to submission of their application. 

Key documents include:

  1. Adaptation Accelerator Program Funding Opportunity Information Note
  2. Frequently Asked Questions
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