The Milken-Motsepe Prize in AgriTech

The inaugural Milken-Motsepe Prize focuses on accelerating progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 and 2: no poverty and zero hunger. The Milken-Motsepe Prize in AgriTech is a global competition for innovative solutions to increase economic value to farmers, from seed to sale.

Registration is free and open to anyone, with a $1 million grand prize available for the winning team, and $1 million in additional prizes.

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Sixty percent of the African population is employed in agriculture, with more than 80% of all output produced by small-scale farms.
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Agricultural productivity growth in Africa is about half that seen in other developing economies.
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Up to 40% of food produced by smallholder farmers in Africa is lost between harvest and consumption.
Why Agritech?

How to Win

Registration for the AgriTech Prize is free and open to anyone, anywhere. 

Competition Rounds

  • DESIGN ROUND
    Teams submit their design and business model. An independent panel of expert judges will select up to 25 teams to receive $10,000 each and advance in the competition.
  • FINALIST ROUND
    Teams develop their prototypes and conduct field tests on small and medium-sized farms in Africa.

Awards

Winning teams will increase net economic value to small and medium-sized farms by:
  • Developing innovative technology solutions for any stage of the food system, from seed to sale
  • Designing a viable business model
  • Increasing farm productivity and/or decreasing post-harvest loss

The winning team will receive a $1 million grand prize, with $1 million in additional prizes.

Rounds of the Prize [TO BE UPDATED]

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Design Round

March 2021 – September 2021

Teams must submit a detailed description of their technical solution and business model.

Up to ten teams will receive $10,000 each.

Prototype Round

September 2021 – April 2022

Teams must specify at least two crops for which their solution applies and submit a small-scale prototype and a complete business model.

Up to five teams will receive $100,000 each.

 The winning team will receive a $1 million grand prize, with additional prizes of up to $250,000.

Prize Timeline

Prize Benefits

Many entrepreneurs lack the information and tools they need to bring their invention to life. In addition to the chance to win cash prizes, the Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize program provides a rich set of opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Online Community

Simply complete the free prize registration process and you will join an online community of other entrepreneurs. The prize portal will give you access to:
  • team matchmaking
  • resources for entrepreneurs
  • online training & help desk

Certificate Program

Finalist teams will receive a tuition-free, experiential learning program powered by Stanford Online’s Idea to Market curriculum. Upon completion of the program, teams will receive a Certificate of Completion:

  • Stanford Online Certificate of Completion
  • Mentoring from industry experts
  • Pitch and feedback sessions

Alumni Network

Winning teams will join the Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize program alumni network following prize completion, with access to:
  • investors
  • data analysis
  • networking opportunities
Learn more about how to compete

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AgriTECH Prize

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AgriTECH Prize

730 15th St NW
Washington, DC 20005