The Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems has launched Agrithon – Food Systems N100,000,000 Grant Funding, a groundbreaking agricultural hackathon aimed at fostering innovation and transforming the agricultural sector.
The epoch-making event took place in the conference room of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems.
According to the Commissioner of the Ministry, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, the Lagos Agrithon initiative provides a platform for startups to pitch revolutionary solutions that will reshape Nigeria’s food systems, offering them access to substantial funding and industry mentorship.
Her words, “Lagos Agrithon is designed to boost productivity, sustainability, and efficiency across the agricultural value chain.
“Startups in the program stand to gain not only financial support but also increased visibility and valuable connections with potential investors.
“The platform aligns with the state’s commitment to nurturing a thriving, resilient agricultural ecosystem and sets the stage for a more efficient food system.
“By promoting cutting-edge solutions, Lagos Agrithon is poised to elevate the Nigerian agricultural sector,” she stated.
She added that participants will be challenged to present groundbreaking ideas that tackle long-standing issues such as food security, supply chain management, and sustainable farming practices.
“The hackathon also serves as a launchpad for new technologies that will shape the future of farming, food production, and distribution in Lagos and beyond.
“We are excited to see what the future holds for agriculture in Nigeria,” said a representative of the Ministry.
“Lagos Agrithon will provide startups the opportunity to not only gain financial support but also mentorship from industry leaders who will guide them in scaling their innovations,” said Ms. Olusanya.
The Lagos Agrithon competition is divided into several stages:
1. Application Submission: From August 1 to September 15, 2024, interested startups were invited to apply.
2. Virtual Business Pitch: The top 50 selected businesses submitted a three-minute video pitch between September 18 and September 22, 2024, showcasing their unique value propositions.
3. Mentorship Phase (Mentors Nest): The top 30 startups will receive mentorship from industry experts between October 9 and October 22, 2024, helping them refine their strategies and prepare for the final stage.
4. Finale Pitch Event: The top 20 startups will emerge victorious after the final pitch event, securing funding to propel their solutions forward.
Ms. Olusanya added further that the N100 million grant, the centerpiece of Lagos Agrithon, represents a significant investment in Nigeria’s agricultural future. “This funding pool will empower the winning startups to scale their innovations, contributing to the broader goal of sustainable food production in Lagos and across the country.
“As the competition progresses, all eyes are on the dynamic entrepreneurs poised to make waves in the agricultural industry. With Lagos Agrithon, the future of Nigeria’s food systems has never looked more promising,” she concluded.
