Smart-Agri Program
Growth Acceleration Round 2023
About the Program
Smart-Agri Egypt acceleration program aims to accelerate the growth of 10 Egyptian agri-tech scaleups to increase the use of digital solutions to contribute to sustainable and resilient agricultural and food systems in Egypt. This program is Funded by Global Project Partners (GPP) and implemented by Nahdet el Mahrousa.
Smart-Agri Egypt Acceleration program is implemented in cooperation with the SmartAgri project supported by Global Project Partners and the Chamber of Industry and Industry and Commerce in Magdeburg.
SmartAgri aims at raising awareness among the Egyptian agri-food sector to make greater use of digital technologies and learn about their potential applications. Concrete actions will be implemented to achieve more employment and skills development in the agri-food sector with a digital focus, thereby contributing to sustainable and resilient agri-food systems in Egypt. It will contribute to improving core problems, including soil and water problems, outdated farming techniques, lack of information on marketing, and scarcity of natural resources.
The program’s main objective is to support those scaleups to develop scalable growth strategy, optimize operations and build partnerships with key Agri-tech stakeholder in Egypt.
Time left until deadline
Benefits and Services
Smart-Agri Egypt acceleration program is a six months program which offers tailored capacity building workshops, consultations by business experts, mentorship and Impact investment funding. Support will include:
1
Diagnostic sessions of business operations
2
Impact Investment Funding up to 350,000 EGP that is asset and milestone based*
3
Developing the scaleup’s strategic growth plans
4
Improving performance, quality control and assurance
5
Access to financial, legal, HR and digital marketing consultations at discounted rates through NM’s Business Support Unit (BSU)
6
Re-designing or enhancing the scaleup’s business models and operations to prepare for scalable growth
7
Supporting in building of framework for impact measurement by Nahdet El Mahrousa’s team
8
Networking with key markets players including potential clients, suppliers, farms, chambers, universities, and other key stakeholders.
9
The chance to join scaleups study tours in Germany, to meet and engage with key agri-tech players and visit some of the leading agri-tech startups in Germany.
*non-equity Impact Investment Funding: the ticket size is up to LE 130-350k. Startups commit to designate the maximum percentage allowed by law in CSR contribution to Nahdet el Mahrousa for 7 years, or up to the same amount they received
Eligibility Criteria
1
Social enterprises registered in Egypt with demonstrated revenue track record of selling products or services that contribute in the agri and food tech sectors
(i.e., Robotics and automation, Software and AI, Sensors and IoT, Fintech and ecommerce, Software, AI and Ecommerce, Supply chain and logistics, Crop Protection and input management)
2
Demonstrated revenue growth potential year-on-year.
3
Potential Employment of 5+ direct and creation of 25+ indirect jobs (farmers, distributors, suppliers, producers, etc)
4
Commitment toward inclusion of women and youth (particularly in job creation)
5
Commitment toward the acceleration program: attending all sessions, actively engaging in all sessions, and responding to emails/ phone calls in a timely manner.
(While we expect active participation to get the most out of our program experience, we also understand that running a startup is a full-time commitment. Our program services and activities are 10-15 hours per month of workshops, consultations and check-in meetings which are designed to complement and fast-track the work you are doing to accelerate your business)
Key Dates
Online application deadline |
One on one in depth meetings with shortlisted finalists
Selection panel and final selection of 5 startups
Program kick off starting with needs assessments for each startup
How to Apply?
Fill in the application form (English or Arabic) and submit it before 11:59 PM on the 22nd of July 2023 (priority will be given to early applications).
For questions or further inquiries, please contact apply@nahdetelmahrousa.org
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About Nahdet El Mahrousa
Nahdet El Mahrousa (NM) is an Egyptian not-for-profit, non-governmental organization (NPO/NGO) that builds the capacities of organizations to improve and expand their social impact. It does so through a) an incubator program that supports social enterprsies from the idea stages all the way to the growth and scale up phases, b) a capacity building program for NGOs and other civil society organizations, and c) an entrepreneurs’ hub that offers business support services, coworking facilities, and a range of other services like trainings, workshops, events, and networking opportunities.
About Global Project Partners (GPP)
Global Project Partners e.V. (GPP), a Berlin-based non-profit association est. in 2001. In cooperation with various actors from business and civil society, GPP carries out projects in different partner countries in Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe. The projects support sustainable development processes on the ground and create transnational networks. GPP is working on three main pillars: women empowerment, vocational education and training and social innovation.