Call for Applications

▶ STARTUP REQUIREMENTS
▶ Be an Agtech, Fintech or any other -Tech that solves one of the 7 problems of our call.
▶ Have a company (legal entity) established before July 31, 2025 (applications for Honduras are exempt from this rule, registration can be generated up to the beginning of the program).
▶ Your startup must have operations or be willing to have them in the country for which you apply within the Innovatech program, demonstrating a long-term interest in the country.
▶ The startup has a specific plan to develop, test, and adapt its solution to address one of the priority needs mentioned above.
▶ At least seed stage. Solutions in ideation, research, or pre-seed stages are not eligible.
▶ The startup will contribute 20% of the granted amount, either in cash or in-kind, including various resources, services, or materials.

▶ BENEFITS:
▶ Access to IFAD projects: Opportunity to participate directly in IFAD projects, access to programs, partners, and beneficiaries to design joint solutions and create long-term collaborations.
▶ New clientele: Do you realize that the future involves rural areas but don’t know how to include them? We help bring your solution to the field, providing access to new clients in a safe environment to adapt your business model for the future.
▶ Funding: Up to 90,000 USD in equity-free grants depending on the startup's growth needs and connection plan with IFAD programs.
▶ Mentorship: Access to an 8-month mentorship program with sessions on innovation, finance, and business, as well as understanding rural areas. Collaborative work sessions with rural organizations, exchange events, and more.
▶ Ecosystem: Positioning and wide visibility in the entire Innovatech ecosystem, including the IFAD network, Sparkassenstiftung, and our Benefit Partners. Access to international financiers through the program's final event.

Meeting the eligibility requirements, your application will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
1. Fit with small agricultural producers’ needs: The startup addresses at least one of the mentioned challenges and offers relevant and concrete solutions for end-users in the rural sector.
2. Fit with NBFIs (for fintech startups): The startup’s business model enables long-term collaboration with financial counterparts to offer products or services in rural areas.
3. Traction: The startup demonstrates previous experience with relevant clients or validation by other organizations.
4. Product: The startup's product is ready to be deployed.
5. Team: A diverse and inclusive team with demonstrated technical skills, commitment, and motivation to adapt to rural challenges.
6. Business model: The business model is understandable, with solid and sustainable projections according to the startup’s maturity stage.
7. Climate change: The startup enhances climate change resilience, promotes sustainable practices (bonus: agroecological) and improves the use of natural resources.
8. Use of grant: The requested grant amount and spending plan seem realistic and proportional to the expected impact of the solution.