Applications are open for the ASIF Ignite Africa Cohort 1 2026, an 8-week remote accelerator for early-stage African climate-tech startups working across food and agriculture value chains. The deadline to apply is 17 August 2026. The programme supports ventures with a functional prototype that still need to test with real users.
Application Deadline:
- 17 August 2026
Tell Me About the Programme:
Ignite Africa Cohort 1, powered by ASIF, is an 8‑week cohort‑based programme designed for founders with a prototype who need to test and validate their solutions with real users. The focus is on climate adaptation and resilience in food and agriculture value chains, helping ventures generate credible proof points for scaling.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Solutions in:
- Climate Adaptation
- Food & Agriculture
- AI‑enabled Solutions
- Resilience Tools
Type:
- Startup Validation Programme | Food & Agriculture | Africa
Who can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be early‑stage MSMEs, startups, or social enterprises.
- Have a functional prototype ready for testing with real users.
- Operate in food and agriculture value chains with clear climate adaptation benefits.
- Have a business model generating or moving toward earned revenue (not donor‑funded).
- Company registration is not required but encouraged.
How Are Applicants Selected?
Selection is based on:
- Prototype readiness.
- Clear link to climate adaptation.
- Motivation and fit with programme goals.
- Gender balance (aiming for 40% women in leadership).
- AI integration potential (AI‑first or AI‑embedded ventures).
Which Countries Are Eligible?
- African countries (focus on sub‑Saharan Africa).
Where is the Programme Taken?
- Fully remote (virtual workshops and mentorship).
How Many Participants?
- 13–14 founders per cohort.
What is the Benefit of the Programme?
- Weekly group workshops on AI methods, customer discovery, lean experimentation, and impact measurement.
- 1:1 office hours with AI, product, and sector specialists.
- Subscriptions to select tools during the programme.
- Playbooks for testing in low‑income, climate‑vulnerable markets.
- Showcase and feedback forum with industry experts and investors.
- Graduates flagged for future Propel cohorts.
How Long Will the Programme Last?
- 8 weeks (June – August 2026).
Required Documents:
- Online application form.
- Prototype details.
- Business model description.
How to Apply:
- Express interest via ASIF’s portal.
- Complete the online application form.
- Submit by 17 August 2026.
- Selected ventures join workshops and mentorship sessions.