Youth In Agroecology Startup Competition

Applicants can register and participate in the competition under two main thematic categories:

🌱 1. Agroecological Farming & Innovation

This category highlights initiatives that promote sustainable and environmentally responsible farming methods. Eligible initiatives may include:

• Composting
• Recycling agricultural waste
• Organic vegetable gardening
• Seed saving and local seed production
• Vermicomposting
• Other innovative practices that enhance sustainable agriculture

Applicants must clearly demonstrate how their initiative contributes to strengthening local food systems, enhancing climate resilience, improving soil health, conserving biodiversity, supporting ecosystem services, and advancing sustainable farming practices.

🍲 2. Healthy & Indigenous Food Promotion

This category targets youth involved in creating, promoting, or managing businesses related to nutritious and indigenous foods. Eligible initiatives include:

• Production of herbal or health-focused food products
• Startups based on traditional Ethiopian recipes
• Health-conscious catering services
• Social media platforms or blogs promoting traditional and indigenous foods

Applicants must demonstrate how their work contributes to healthier diets and the preservation of local food cultures.

The competition is open to:

• Youth aged 18 to 35, living and working in Addis Ababa
• Individuals or youth-led agribusiness groups
• Youth who have previously participated in similar competitions may apply; however, past winners are not eligible
• Applicants must provide proof of an existing business or initiative (e.g., video, photos, product samples)
• Young women and marginalized groups are strongly encouraged to apply

1. Fill in the online registration form (link will be available on this page)

2. Include:

   • Full name, contact info, location, age, gender, education level

   • A 500-word description of your initiative

3. Submit a one-minute video via Telegram

4. You’ll receive a confirmation by email or SMS

🗓️ Application Window: 21 July to 1 August, 2025, 5:00 PM

Note: Applications that do not meet these requirements or are submitted by ineligible individuals will be disqualified during the preliminary screening. Submissions through email or in-person will not be accepted. Application can Ethier be in Amharic or English.

1. Preliminary Screening

All submissions will be carefully reviewed for eligibility and completeness. Only qualified entries will proceed to the next round.

2. Top 10 Shortlisting

A panel of expert judges will evaluate eligible submissions and select the Top 10 youth-led startups based on impact, innovation, feasibility, and alignment with the thematic areas.

3. Mentorship & Orientation

Finalists receive coaching in:

• Business development

• Effective communication

• Agroecology principles

4. Pitch Event

Each finalist will deliver a 10-minute pitch of their initiative, followed by a Q&A session with judges. Judges will evaluate based on relevance, sustainability, impact, efficiency, and scalability. Judges announce the Top 3 Finalists.

The competition will culminate in an Awarding Event, where judges will announce the official Top 3 Winners: who will present in front of stakeholders, media, and supporters.

🥇 1st Place – 200,000 ETB
🥈 2nd Place – 150,000 ETB
🥉 3rd Place – 100,000 ETB

All Top 10 participants will receive recognition, visibility, and networking opportunities.

Note: All prizes are subject to applicable tax regulations.