African agrifood startups committed to building a more sustainable and resilient food system now have a unique opportunity to gain global recognition and support. Applications are officially open for the THRIVE Global Impact Challenge, an international innovation initiative designed to identify and accelerate the most promising startups working toward a net-zero future for agriculture.
Hosted by SVG Ventures|THRIVE, one of the world’s leading agrifood innovation platforms based in Silicon Valley, the challenge invites early to growth-stage startups from across Africa and the world to showcase solutions that align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — especially in the areas of food security, climate action, and sustainable production.
The THRIVE Global Impact Challenge focuses on five core themes critical to transforming global agriculture and food systems:
- Soil Health and Biodiversity
- Climate-Smart Agriculture
- Food Security and Nutrition
- Reducing and Recovering Waste
- Water Management and Quality
Startups addressing challenges in any of these categories are encouraged to apply. A finalist will be selected from each theme, with all finalists invited to pitch their innovations at the THRIVE Global Impact Summit — a high-profile event that gathers investors, corporates, government leaders, and global changemakers in Silicon Valley.
The grand prize winner of the challenge will receive:
- The THRIVE Global Impact Challenge Award
- A place in THRIVE’s prestigious Global Accelerator Programme
- Investment of up to US$1 million from SVG Ventures
- The chance to pitch live on stage at the THRIVE Global Impact Summit, gaining exposure to a global audience of potential partners and funders
Beyond the prizes, selected startups benefit from extensive mentorship, networking with industry leaders, and the opportunity to pilot their solutions with leading agrifood companies in SVG Ventures’ ecosystem.
This is a particularly significant opportunity for African agritech innovators, many of whom are on the frontlines of climate adaptation, food production innovation, and smallholder empowerment. With agriculture contributing heavily to both GDP and employment across the continent — while also being highly vulnerable to climate change — supporting local, tech-enabled solutions is more urgent than ever.
By spotlighting these innovations on a global stage, the THRIVE Global Impact Challenge aims to bridge the gap between impactful ideas and the resources needed to scale them.
Applications are open until May 25, 2025, and eligible startups can apply via the THRIVE website. Entrepreneurs and founders working on breakthrough agrifood technologies are encouraged to seize this opportunity to take their mission global — and help reshape the future of agriculture.
