Scaling Digital Agriculture Innovations through Startups’ (SAIS) is a project implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
The overall goal of the project is to support African startups in scaling their digital innovations; these innovations should enable users in the agriculture or food sectors to increase their income.
Up to 18 startups are selected annually to participate in a nine-month Investment Readiness Programme fully funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
The aim of the Investment Readiness Programme is to support more African startups in improving their business models, gaining access to investors and business partners, and achieving greater impact.
Seven output indicators (also called investment readiness criteria or investment readiness output indicators) have been defined to assess and monitor the investment readiness level of selected startups.
Which innovations are we looking for?
You can apply for the SAIS if your innovation is listed in one of the following categories or technologies.
Categories
Building digital expertise for farmers (eSkills, eLiteracy), eLearning, precision farming, access to market, access to finance, digital payment, supply chain management, food delivery, animal and crops health, soil fertility, logistics and transport, e-commerce, gamification, big data, data analysis, open data, data protection, data security, cybersecurity, crowdsourcing, digital storytelling.
Technologies
Internet of things, precision farming (chipcards, sensors, drones, remote sensing system) artificial intelligence (AI), virtual/augmented reality, 3D-printer, robotics, digital learning software (eLearning system, MOOC platforms, open educational resources), database, blockchain, information-management systems (IMS), monitoring, controlling systems, GIS (Geo-Information Systems) /Mapping, SMS-services, web platforms, Apps, social media, big data analysis systems.
What are our selection criteria?
Mandatory criteria
Legal representation
– The startup must be registered and operating in at least one African country.
– A certification of incorporation will be a prerequisite.
Team
– The startup must have a team of at least two people.
– The management team must be highly motivated and work at the business ideally full-time.
Digital product
– The startup must have a viable digital product with a clear positive impact on its users’ income.
– The product must be aligned with one of the digital technologies listed below.
Access to market and traction
– The startup must have launched its digital product at least six months prior to the application period.
– The startups provide evidence of good traction (customer base, first revenues)
Competitive criteria
Business model
The startup should have an easily understandable and very convincing business model (clear problem statement, clear digital solution, clear customer segment and clear revenues stream).
Customer data
The startup should have access to customer data via its digital solution (number of customers and gender); if this is not the case, building customer databases will be one of the first development measures if the startup is selected for the IRP.
Level of innovation
Innovative and disruptive solutions will be regarded as an asset. Solutions that help mitigate the post-impact of Covid-19 will be taken into special consideration.
What we offer
- Weekly advisory and coaching sessions
- Additional services: Based on the startup’s commitment, access to additional services to optimize certain segments (e.g. legal advice, marketing, coding, product optimization, etc.) of the startups.
- Hub Integration
- Access to GIZ-SAIS network
- Extended services: Add-on services for female entrepreneurs.
- Meet-up events
Apply on or before August 31st.
