The 2024 edition of the MEST Africa Challenge is officially open for applications, and this year, the spotlight is on AgriTech startups across West Africa. Organized by the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa) in collaboration with the Norwegian Embassy, this challenge is more than just a competition—it’s a launchpad for AgriTech innovators looking to scale their solutions and impact. The winning startup will walk away with $50,000 in equity funding. But the prize goes beyond cash. The victor will also gain access to MEST Africa’s expansive global network, which includes potential partnerships, mentorship opportunities, and connections to investors that could accelerate the startup's growth and global presence. To be eligible, your startup must: Be an early-stage tech company, no older than three years. Generate a minimum of $5,000 in monthly recurring revenue, with at least six months of consistent traction. Have raised no more than $1 million in cumulative funding. Have at least two founding members on the team. Be able to pitch in English (Delaware registration is preferred but not mandatory). The challenge is open to startups from key West African markets, including Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, and several others. Themed "Find Your Soil," this year’s challenge is more than a competition—it's a call to action. MEST Africa aims to provide the “soil” or the ideal environment for AgriTech entrepreneurs to grow their ideas into scalable businesses. According to Ashwin Ravichandran, Portfolio Advisor at MEST Africa, the challenge is designed to “support this ecosystem by providing the necessary resources, visibility, and strategic support for these entrepreneurs to thrive.” Interested startups can submit their applications via the MEST Africa Challenge portal. The application deadline is October 4, 2024. Following the deadline, the top 20 participants will be announced on October 14, 2024, with virtual semi-finals set for October 29 and 30, 2024. The in-person finals will be held later, with details to be announced. Since its inception, MEST Africa has invested over $30 million into training more than 2,000 entrepreneurs, supporting the launch of 90 early-stage tech startups across various sectors. This year's focus on AgriTech comes at a crucial time when agricultural innovation is key to addressing food security challenges in Africa. For startups, this is not just an opportunity for funding but a chance to join a community of entrepreneurs dedicated to making a significant impact on the continent.What’s at Stake?
Who Can Apply?
“Find Your Soil”
How to Apply
Why It Matters
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