The CircularEconomy4Ghana Innovation Challenge backs novel technologies that strengthen the circular economy, improve food security, and build resilience in Ghana’s agricultural sector. It is led by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT through its Accelerate for Impact Platform (A4IP), and delivered with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), UNIDO / ITPO Italy, and E4Impact, with support from Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Selected teams travel to Accra for an immersive bootcamp, then join a three-month accelerator combining entrepreneurial training, technical assistance, mentorship, and investor connections. Solutions must target real market needs and deliver benefits to smallholder farmers and value-chain actors.
Benefits & funding
- Fully funded, 4-day immersive bootcamp in Accra, Ghana
- 3-month sponsored accelerator programme (entrepreneurial training, technical assistance, and go-to-market support)
- Business mentorship, product validation, and pilot testing
- Expert guidance from CGIAR scientists and UNIDO experts
- Connections to investors and commercial partners
Eligibility
- Early-stage agri-tech innovators with a working Minimum Viable Product (MVP), ideally already tested with end-users
- Teams actively fundraising at pre-seed or seed stage
- Solutions must address local agricultural challenges and benefit smallholder farmers and value-chain actors in Ghana
- Solutions must align with at least one of six priority areas: innovative financing and financial access; digital advisory and knowledge-sharing systems; waste segregation, collection, and valorization; nutrient recovery and circular soil fertility; traceability, data, and supply-chain efficiency; and inclusive circular business models for youth and women
- No nationality or age restriction is stated on the official page
Can you apply?
Open to all applicants
No nationality, residency, education, or experience limits are listed.
We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.
Application process
- 1Confirm your venture has an MVP and fits at least one of the six priority areas.
- 2Prepare your team, product, and fundraising details.
- 3Apply online through the VentureSpace platform linked from the official program page before the deadline.
Program timeline
Application deadline
8 August 2026 (23:59 UTC)
After the deadline
Selection, 4-day Accra bootcamp, and 3-month accelerator (exact dates not published)