Are you a young start-up trying to develop or grow a unique and innovative solution in the Agriculture sector of Iraq? This might be the program for you!
Please apply to the application form through HERE
We are looking for innovative solutions that meet all or most of the following criteria:
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Innovative solutions that address a clear challenge in the Agri-business sector
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Local developed innovations that are technology-based, a new model, or approach
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Solutions that have already been tested, achieved proof of concept, or ready to be piloted are preferred
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Solutions that are scalable and replicable.
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Solutions that have potential for social development impact, such as job creation, women empowerment, poverty alleviation, environmental impact, etc.
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The Incubator will also consider innovative ideas from businesses who successfully exist before the conflict and who need support in re-building their businesses.
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The incubator will work with start-ups in the entire chain of production processing and marketing that areproposing an innovative business model or solution to improve productivity in the Agriculture sector.
What We Offer
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A 6-months business coaching, mentoring and training program to equip start-ups with the necessary knowledge and skills to become successful entrepreneurs, such as basic business skills, bookkeeping, and business planning. This includes on-going one-on-one business advice and mentorship, training, and networking through seminars/events.
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Technical expertise tailored to the need of each start-ups.
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Able to pitch for funding after 6 months of incubation. Start-ups in the program will have the opportunity to pitch to our Innovation Pool Fund to receive seed-funding for their Innovation.
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Free access to the fully equipped Response Innovation Lab office space to use as your office, organise events, workshops, training, meetings, develop and create your idea, and exchange with your peers.
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Access to a valuable network of experts to supplement the support provided by mentors and advisors.
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Visibility through the Response Innovation Lab network and tools.
Who Can Apply?
Start-up, SMEs, early-stage businesses and individual entrepreneurs (registered or not ) offering or developing innovative solutions in the Agriculture sector and related fields such as water management within the agriculture sector or within the entire value chain /processes of the Agriculture sector.
Selection Criteria
All applicants will need to:
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Showcase how their solutions are innovative and unique compared to other approaches
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The innovation is addressing a clear problem, and the target customers and markets are clearly identified
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The business idea is feasible from a technical and business perspective
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Financial viability
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Show that steps were taken to move the idea forward and have a plan in place
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Demonstrate that the project will have social impact such as job creation, environmental impact, gender, etc.
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Show the business has capacity to scale
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Demonstrate qualification in the business-related area
Application Process
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Applicant need to fill out the online application form
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After the initial application form, selected applicants might be required to submit more information and will be invited for an interview
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10 Start-ups will be selected to participate in the program.
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After 6 month of incubation Start-ups can pitch to receive funding from the Innovation Pool Fund - up to 5 projects will receive funding.
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Only selected applicant will be contacted
