Agri-Tech Catalyst round 6 – early stage technical feasibility studies

The aim of this competition is to increase the pace and scale of uptake of agricultural innovation by farmers in developing countries.

Agricultural innovation in developing countries, particularly Africa, is low. For example, the share of cultivatable land planted with modern crop varieties in Africa is only 28%. This compares with 65% globally. Most of the poorest people in Africa (75%) live in rural areas. They rely on agriculture and livestock for their livelihoods.

The Agri-Tech Catalyst will take innovative ideas from any sector or discipline. Ideas must show the potential to improve the sustainable intensification of agriculture. The scope of the Catalyst includes:

• primary crop and livestock production including aquaculture
• non-food uses of crops including ornamentals
• food security and nutrition challenges in international development
• addressing challenges in downstream food processing, provided the solution lies in primary production

The objective of the early stage technical feasibility awards is to explore the commercial potential of an early-stage innovative idea. All projects must be based on prior underpinning research evidence. Examples of project work in this early-stage award category may include, but are not limited to:

• development projects that surround:
  • validation of disease targets (but not discovery of new targets involving fundamental research)
  • identification of agchem candidates
  • characterisation and optimisation
  • initial manufacturing process development and formulation
  • demonstration of safety and efficacy
  • plant and animal breeding trait assessment and marker identification
  • material testing for engineering solutions, etc.
• diagnostic devices or other analytical technology projects may include:
  • exploration of user requirements
  • initial design and engineering
  • systems integration and prototyping
  • laboratory based evaluation and characterisation

If you want to evaluate or trial the commercial potential of your technologies in a field testing or real-life environment, you should apply for a late-stage award.