Applications for the Youth in Agroecology Startup Competition officially closed yesterday (August 1) at midnight. We are truly inspired by the energy, creativity, and commitment shown by all the young entrepreneurs who registered for the competition and submitted videos about their startups. A heartfelt thank you to each and every applicant who took the time to share their vision for sustainable food systems rooted in agroecology.
What Happens Next?
The application window may be closed, but the competition is just getting started. Here’s what comes next:
- Screening & Due Diligence
Our team will begin the initial screening of all eligible submissions using a structured screening checklist. This step ensures that all applications meet the competition’s basic criteria and eligibility requirements.
- Expert Evaluation & Shortlisting
A panel of judges — composed of individuals with diverse expertise, experience, and backgrounds — will carefully review the screened applications. Using a detailed evaluation framework and scoring tool, the judges will select the Top-10 most promising startups.
- Announcement of Top-10 Startups
The shortlisted startups will be announced in the coming two weeks. These top-10 teams will move forward in the competition and receive dedicated support.
- Mentorship & Coaching
The selected startups will participate in a two-day mentorship and coaching programme. This will help them refine their pitch, strengthen their business model, and better prepare for the final competition stages.
- Pitch Competition & Awarding Event
Final dates for the pitch competition and awarding ceremony will be announced soon. The panel of judges will also be formally introduced to the public as part of this final phase.
Stay tuned for further announcements — and once again, thank you to all applicants for your passion and participation in shaping the future of agroecology and sustainable food systems in Ethiopia!
For updates, follow us on Telegram: @ESFSAC_Ethiopia
Competition page: https://esfsac-ethiopia.org/competition