The Shell Foundation and Factor E Ventures, in partnership with the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), proudly announce the US$ 50,000 Innovation Award in Post-Harvest Losses This competition seeks innovative solutions to reduce post-harvest losses and empower smallholder farmers in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Who can apply?
Innovators from anywhere in the world can apply, provided their solutions are relevant and applicable in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Eligible applicants include startups, universities, non-profit organizations, or for-profit companies.
The Challenge
Globally, one-third of all food produced is lost or wasted before reaching consumers, causing significant economic and environmental impacts. Smallholder farmers, especially in emerging markets, face serious consequences due to post-harvest losses, which reduce their incomes and exacerbate food insecurity. These farmers often lack access to reliable energy for critical processes such as storage, preservation, and transportation, highlighting the need for affordable and scalable innovations.
The opportunity
O Innovation Award in Post-Harvest Losses It offers more than just a financial reward. Finalists will gain access to a network of experienced industry leaders, receive media exposure, and benefit from post-investment support. The goal is to identify scalable and cost-effective solutions that not only reduce post-harvest losses but also increase farmers' yields, incomes, and climate resilience.
About the Shell Foundation and Factor E Ventures
The Shell Foundation, a UK-registered charity, partners with FCDO to improve access to energy for smallholder farmers and SMEs in emerging markets. Factor E Ventures invests in innovative solutions that address global climate and development challenges.
About the Prize
The award seeks innovative technologies, business models, hardware or software solutions that can reduce post-harvest losses for smallholder farmers. The solutions must demonstrate a clear path to scalability, minimal behavioral changes required for adoption, and potential for substantial impact.
Key Evaluation Criteria:
- Innovation: New approaches adapted to small farmers.
- Solution Validation: Proven success in test environments.
- Global Applicability: Relevant to South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, with potential for scalability.
- Impact on Gender: Positive effects on women farmers.
- Scalability and reach: Potential to empower more than 1 million farmers.
- Farm-level implementation: Direct usability by farmers.
- Financial Traction: Evidence of financial sustainability.
- Technological Readiness Level (TRL): Preferably beyond the validation stage.
Eligibility: Open to startups, universities, non-profit organizations, and for-profit companies worldwide.
Shipping: Submit your application by August 14, 2024.
Timeline
- Application for registration: June 26, 2024
- Application deadline: 14th August 2024
- Application review: August 1, 2024 – September 13, 2024
- Notification to Candidates: September 16, 2024
- The finalists have been announced: September 17, 2024
- Award announcement: September 25, 2024
Application deadline: 14th August 2024
