CircularEconomy4Ghana Innovation Challenge 2026 for Young Innovators (Fully Funded Immersive Bootcamp in Accra, Ghana)

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Applications are open for CircularEconomy4Ghana Innovation Challenge 2026. The CircularEconomy4Ghana Innovation Challenge is designed to support novel technologies that strengthen the circular economy, enhance food security, and build long-term resilience within Ghana’s agricultural sector.

The CircularEconomy4Ghana Innovation Challenge is led by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT through the Accelerate for Impact Platform (A4IP) and implemented in partnerships with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) / ITPO and with E4Impact, with support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy.

CircularEconomy4Ghana Innovation Challenge Themes

Innovative Financing and Financial Access for Circular Agri-Enterprises
Digital Advisory and Knowledge-Sharing Systems for Circular Agriculture
Waste Segregation, Collection, and Valorization Systems
Nutrient Recovery and Circular Soil Fertility Solutions
Traceability, Data, and Supply Chain Efficiency for Circular Value Chains:
Inclusive Circular Business Models for Youth and Women

CircularEconomy4Ghana Innovation Challenge Benefits

A deep understanding of Ghana’s agriculture.
A fully funded, 4-day immersive bootcamp in Accra, Ghana.
Strategic connections with agribusinesses and ecosystem partners.
Expert guidance from CGIAR scientists and UNIDO experts.
A 3-month sponsored accelerator program, structured around five pillars, combining entrepreneurial training, technical assistance, and more.
Opportunities to meet investors and commercial partners.

Eligibility Criteria

The program is on the look-out for early-stage agri-tech innovations with a working Minimum Viable Product (MVP), ideally already tested with end-users.
Teams should be actively fundraising at the pre-seed or seed stage.
Solutions must address real market needs, respond to local agricultural challenges, align with at least one of the designated priority areas, and deliver tangible benefits to smallholder farmers and value chain actors.