Do you have an innovative startup or initiative that is transforming agriculture, promoting indigenous foods, or building a more sustainable food system? This is your opportunity to be recognised, supported, and connected.
The Ethiopian Sustainable Food Systems and Agroecology Consortium (ESFSAC), with financial support from DKA Austria and the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the Youth in Agroecology Startup Competition 2026.
Building on the success of last year’s competition, the 2026 edition seeks to identify and support young innovators whose Startups are contributing to agroecology, sustainable food systems, climate resilience, healthy indigenous foods, and food sovereignty.
The competition is open to young people aged 18–35 living and working in Addis Ababa or the surrounding Sheger City. Individuals as well as youth-led businesses and groups are encouraged to apply.
Applicants may submit their startups under one of two thematic areas:
- Agroecological Farming and Innovation: including sustainable farming practices, composting, organic production, seed saving, vermicomposting, and other climate-smart agricultural innovations.
- Healthy & Indigenous Food Promotion: including enterprises, products, services, or digital initiatives that promote nutritious, traditional, and indigenous Ethiopian foods.
Following a preliminary screening, selected applicants will be evaluated by an independent panel of judges. The top 10 Startups will receive mentorship from experts in entrepreneurship, business development, communication, and agroecology before presenting their startups during the final pitch competition.
The three winners will receive cash awards of 300,000 ETB, 200,000 ETB, and 100,000 ETB, together with valuable opportunities for national recognition, networking, mentorship, and increased visibility for their initiatives.
Applications are open from 20 July to 31 July 2026. Eligible applicants are required to complete the online application form and submit a one-minute video introducing their startup through the official Telegram Bot, following the application instructions.
Ready to showcase your Startups?
Visit the Competition Page to apply and learn more about the eligibility requirements, application process, competition stages, evaluation criteria, important dates, and frequently asked questions.
We look forward to discovering and celebrating Ethiopia’s next generation of agroecology innovators.
