Apply for CircularEconomy4Colombia Innovation Challenge

In alignment with national and international targets, such as Colombia’s National Development Plan 2022-2026 and the objectives of CBD COP 16 Colombia, the CircularEconomy4Colombia Innovation Challenge aims to accelerate the transition to a circular economy for Colombia’s agri-food sector.

This challenge is aimed to give your solution an edge by providing access to expert mentorship, comprehensive business training, funding opportunities, and a robust network of industry leaders and investors, ensuring your innovation can scale and succeed in the market. Join them in their mission to transform Colombia’s approach to waste management and environmental conservation.

In the context of CGIAR initiative Nature-Positive Solutions, the CircularEconomy4Colombia Innovation Challenge is powered by CGIAR Accelerate for Impact Platform (A4IP), and co-organized with CGIAR Centers – the Alliance Bioversity International-CIAT and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and implemented in partnership with EAN University and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für International Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ).

Priority Areas

• The Circular Economy4Colombia Innovation Challenge aims to scout and support innovations aligned with the following priority areas:
  • Waste Valorization for Soil Health and Agricultural Productivity
    • Technologies, solutions, or AI tools to convert agri-food waste into fertilizers or soil amendments, enhancing soil health and national agricultural productivity.
  • Advanced Wastewater Treatment and Reuse
    • Technologies, solutions, or AI tools for treating and reusing wastewater from the agri-food sector, promoting efficient resource utilization and reducing water scarcity pressures.
  • Innovative Waste Conversion for Animal Feed
    • Technologies, solutions, or AI tools to convert agri-food waste into nutritious animal feed, promoting circularity in the food supply chain and reducing dependence on imported inputs.
  • Renewable Energy Generation from Agri-Food Waste
    • Technologies, solutions, or AI tools for converting agri-food waste into renewable energy sources like biogas or biofuels, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and advancing renewable energy adoption.
  • Repurposing Waste into Functional Materials and Inputs
    • Technologies, solutions, or AI tools that convert agri-food waste into building blocks, chemicals, packaging solutions, and other inputs that support the transition to a bio economy.

What they Offer?

• A tailored acceleration program combining business training, growth and technical assistance.
• On-the-ground experimentation and pilot testing in Colombia.
• Support in the development of a pitch and investment teaser for fundraising.
• Networking and technical assistance from CGIAR scientists and industry partners.
• Networking and business mentorship with some of the best local entrepreneurs in Colombia.
• Exposure to potential investors, opening doors to funding opportunities and commercial partnerships.

Who should apply?

• The CircularEconomy4Colombia Innovation Challenge is open to national and international innovation teams that meet the below criteria:
  • Are pre-commercial or conceptual stage with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or Proof of Concept (POC).
  • Have developed a novel solution that addresses a real market demand in Colombia and falls under at least one of the 5 priority areas.
  • Are the sole inventors and copyright holders of the solution.
  • Are purpose-driven practitioners, entrepreneurs, students, researchers or CGIAR scientists with a demonstrated willingness to adopt an entrepreneurial approach to their innovations.
  • Are either a registered company or affiliated to a research institute/center or university.
  • Are fully committed to the program and be ready to travel to Colombia for the activities on the ground.
  • Can clearly articulate how the technology relates to one or more of CGIAR’s Impact Areas /or research activities.
• Selected applicants in the growth stage and beyond with a sustainable business model may be invited to pitch their solutions to investors at the demo day.

For more information, visit CGIAR.