Are you ready to pilot a solution that addresses the needs of smallholder farmers, rural communities, and indigenous populations? Join us in the Moonshots for Development Open Innovation Challenge, an initiative powered by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the IDB Lab, the CGIAR Accelerate for Impact Platform (A4IP), the European Space Agency (ESA), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the International Innovation Hub (IIH) and the European Institute of Innovation for Sustainability (EIIS).
Through this challenge, we are looking for solutions that build resilient food systems across four challenge tracks: (1) Insurance, (2) Agroecology, (3) Digital Extension, and (4) Fragility, with particular interest in solutions that use AI and geospatial analysis to create positive impact for smallholder farmers and/or rural communities.
We are excited by solutions that center the rural communities, ensuring the impact of these solutions is accessible to smallholder farmers and rural households. In cases where solutions are engaging end-users directly, technology should be context appropriate, accounting for issues like internet connectivity and feature phone prevalence.
Calling all visionary startups-
Transform agriculture and empower rural communities with the Moonshots for Development Challenge!
Apply now and unlock a world of opportunity with potential funding of up to $360,000 USD per team!
Program Details
Do you have a new vision for the future of rural development waiting for the chance to be brought to life?
Now is the time! Innovators are invited to apply towards this transformative program, offering up to $360,000 in funding and support to teams and paving the way for groundbreaking success. Teams chosen for this remarkable opportunity will embark on an innovation journey that will take their ideas to the next level:
-
Begin with the Phase 0 virtual bootcamp, a dynamic launchpad designed to propel business model development, enriched by a month of personalized mentorship that will set the foundation for success in later stages.
-
Select teams progress to Phase 1, where startups can secure up to $10,000 USD. This phase offers bespoke coaching tailored to your unique business needs, with exclusive access to M4D’s invaluable resources and networks.
-
Top teams advance to Phase 2, with up to $100,000 USD in funding, along with comprehensive pilot and implementation support to bring your vision to life.
-
Finalists in Phase 3 have the potential to earn up to $250,000 USD and receive unparalleled support to scale your enterprise to new heights.
Explore the stages of the Open Innovation Challenge below and seize this opportunity to elevate your innovation to the next level.
Don’t wait- applications close March 30, 2026!
