Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about AgriSurge Innovation Challenge
Who can Register?
The Challenge is open to teams of men and women who are interested in technology and innovation and have a viable idea to develop within the scope of the themes proposed. Participation is open to individuals aged 18 and older. Women and youth are highly encouraged to register.
How are Teams made up?
A team of six members(max) is suggested. Gender-balanced and Women majority teams are encouraged to register. The judging panel will award a special cash prize to women majority teams, conditional to the solution presented.
Is there a cost to join the Challenge?
No
What are the Main Themes of the Challenge?
- Enhancing market linkages
- Smart agriculture advisory services
- Digitized livestock count at village level
How to Register?
Register your Team at Join the Challenge Each team will be identified by its chosen Team Name Please refer to Registration Details
Why is there a pre-screening of Teams?
It is our experience that many teams will register for the Challenge. Pre-screening ensures that only those teams with the most viable and innovative ideas will compete in the Challenge.
How does pre-screening work?
Each team will submit its proposal by no later than July 20, 2020. Pre- screening will result in short-listing teams based on the criteria mentioned in FAQ “How are solutions judged?”.
We’ve already started some development, can we join?
Yes
How are solutions submitted to the Judges?
Teams will submit their functioning innovative solution to a virtual cloud for testing by the Judges. For final evaluation, teams must submit a 5 minute video describing their solution to the judges.
How are solutions judged?
1. Data-Driven
Innovative data-driven solution, able to add value to context specific agricultural productivity issues in Pakistan.
4. Potential Impact
Applicant should demonstrate a real understanding of the situation that their solution is helping to address.
2. Usability
Solutions should meet end-user requirements and sufficiently scalable to be used by smallholder farmers and community in Pakistan, with different languages, levels of education, and digital literacy.
5. Growth Potential
The solutions shall be sustainable, with respect to both financial and environmental considerations.
3. Affordability
The solution should be accessible and affordable to a wide range of people.
6. Privacy & Security
Adherence to any data protection laws of Pakistan.
To facilitate judging, solutions will be categorized according to where they fit in the Farming Production Life Cycle.
Pre- Production
- Planning
- Raw material collection
- Preparing of Land
- Financial management
- Weather Fore-casting
On Farm Production
- Planting
- Growing
- Harvesting
Post Harvest stage
- Storage
- Processing
- Transport
- Market Access
Consumption & Nutrition
- Testing
- Health related checks
- Nutrition value
What is the Challenge Calendar?
- Last date to submit proposal is July 20, 2020
- Teams will be notified if their proposed solution have been selected as a contender in the Challenge by July 29, 2020
- Work to transform proposed solution into a working solution from July 29,2020 to Sept 30, 2020
- Submission of working solution and related video link by Sept 30, 2020
- Judging by the Panel Oct 5-15, 2020
- Three winning teams will be notified by Oct 20, 2020
- Details on the awarding modalities will be given at that time keeping in view with covid19 SOP.
- All timelines are tentative in nature.
Is there any support provided to the Teams during the Challenge?
Mentors will be available to confer with Team Leaders
What are the Awards?
1st place Team will receive PKR. 500,000/-
2nd place Team will receive PKR. 300,000/-
3rd place Team will receive PKR. 200,000/-
A special cash prize will be awarded to women majority teams, conditional to the solution presented.
Winning teams will have a chance at admission to a National Incubation Centers.
Winning solutions will be shared with FAO country offices for potential uptake and scalability.
How are prizes awarded?
Top 3 problem-solving innovations will be awarded at the e-Agriculture Innovations Forum in Islamabad on a date to be determined at later stage keeping in view the Covid19 SOP.
Do we need to be present to receive an award?
Two members of each winning team must present their solution at the e-Agriculture Innovations Forum in Islamabad on a date to be determined in function of COVID-19 restrictions. Round trip travel and 2 nights’ accommodation in Islamabad will be provided by Ignite.
Who will get IPR to the product coded by the winning team/s?
IPR remains with the Developers