What types of startups are being sought for the program?

Fintechs, Agtechs, or EdTechs with financial/agricultural components.

What stage should the startup be in?

At least the seed stage. Solutions at the ideation, research, or pre-seed stage are not eligible.

What is expected of my startup when participating in the program?

We expect commitment and participation of at least one of the founders throughout the program. Furthermore, your startup must use the financial support received to adapt its products or services to the needs of financial institutions and/or producer organizations in rural areas. For this, your startup must have a clear path for using the grant, desired objectives, and an implementation plan during the eight-month program.

Do I need to be present in any of the 6 countries during the program?

This is a remote program, so it is not essential to be present in any of the countries. However, the startup must have operations or be willing to establish operations in one of the project countries, demonstrating a long-term interest in the country through a registered company, a local office, or other types of permanent presence.

If my startup isn’t serving people in rural areas, can it participate in the program?

Yes! Your startup can participate in the program if it has a solution that can be adapted to producer clients or clientele in rural areas and has a genuine interest in commercial expansion into this target population. Any startup that can solve any of the current challenges in the agricultural sector, including challenges faced by agroecological producers in any of the participating countries, can apply to the program.

Do we need a company (legal entity) in any of the program countries to participate?

Yes, the program is designed to encourage startups that have an established company in the country for which they are applying within the Innovatech program to show that they have a long-term interest in this country. For this reason it is essential that your startup has an established legal entity at the time of starting the mentoring program. This legal entity can be established through a business partner in the country as long as it can demonstrate experience and/or a deep interest in a long-term operation.