The Youth in Agroecology Startup Competition 2026 has reached an important milestone, with 10 youth-led startups selected to advance to the final stage of the competition. The finalists were selected from 90 applicants who successfully completed the application requirements by submitting both a one-minute introductory video and a completed online application form. The applicants came from across Addis Ababa and Sheger City, with representation from all sub-cities of Addis Ababa, and included 64 male (71%) and 26 female (29%) applicants with diverse educational backgrounds.
The four-member judging panel brought together resourceful experts with rich experience as judges at different levels. Their complementary expertise spans food science and nutrition, entrepreneurship and business development, business management training, consultancy on strategic planning and resource management, and supporting entrepreneurs and startups.
This diversity of expertise enabled the applications to be considered from multiple perspectives, including their technical and nutritional relevance, business viability, management capacity, market potential and potential for sustainable growth and impact. During the evaluation, Dr. Bayush Tsegaye, Executive Director of ESFSAC, joined the judges as an advisor, providing guidance on agroecology and healthy and indigenous food principles and helping ensure that the assessment remained aligned with the themes and objectives of the competition.
Evaluation Process, Criteria, and Due Diligence
The Youth in Agroecology Startup Competition 2026 shortlist was developed using a 100-point evaluation framework designed to assess applicants from multiple dimensions relevant to youth-led agroecological and food-system startups. The panel assessed each application against five weighted criteria: Relevance, Sustainability, Impact, Efficiency, and Scaling Potential. Within each of these criteria, judges considered detailed sub-indicators rather than relying on a general impression of the startup.
To ensure a balanced assessment, each judge scored the applications independently using the same evaluation tool. The scores awarded by the four judges were then combined and averaged to produce each startup’s overall score, which was used to rank the applicants and determine the Top 10 finalists. This approach provided a consistent and transparent basis for comparing applications across the different dimensions of the competition.
The evaluation process was conducted in parallel with due diligence activities. When relevant, ESFSAC contacted applicants to verify information provided in their applications and to obtain and review relevant documentary evidence. This additional verification forms an important part of ensuring that the information submitted by applicants is accurate and that the selected startups meet the requirements of the competition.
Meet the Top 10 Finalists of the Youth in Agroecology Startup Competition 2026
We are pleased to announce the following 10 finalists, listed alphabetically by the applicants’ first names:
- Abeje Belay — Sebez Manufacturing One Member PLC
- Adonay Fantaye — Black Soldier Fly Larvae Project
- Ayenew Alemu — Flavor Fuse Coffee
- Cheru Kore (Dr.) — Biodegradable Plastic Production
- Hayemanot Nigussie — Ra’ey Vegetable Farming
- Mesay Sermolo — Eco-Screw Beeswax Tech
- Moti Dawit — GreenCycle Energy and Compost Initiative
- Rakeb Getahun — LAMBAGRO Energy Solutions
- Tariku Sharew — Vera Fungicide
- Tsion Lema — Mobile Vet
Just before this announcement, the Top 10 finalists received congratulations email with information on the next steps, while the remaining applicants received appreciations and feedback email highlighting key lessons and areas to consider when applying for future opportunities.
What happens next?
The selection of the Top 10 finalists marks the beginning of the next stage of Youth in Agroecology Startup Competition 2026. The finalists will participate in mentorship and coaching sessions on 13–14 August 2026 in Addis Ababa, providing them an opportunity to strengthen their businesses, refine their ideas and prepare for the final stage of the competition.
The final Pitch Competition is scheduled for 21 August in Addis Ababa, where the finalists will present their startups and compete for the final awards.
We congratulate the Top 10 finalists and extend our appreciation to all 90 applicants for their participation, enthusiasm and commitment to developing solutions for more sustainable food systems.
A detailed profile of the 10 finalist startups will be published in the coming days. Follow ESFSAC’s website and social media channels for the next updates and the final results of Youth in Agroecology Startup Competition 2026.
