Kura Na AgTech 2.0

Building tech-enabled solutions for smallholder farmers?

The second edition of the Kura Na AgTech program supports scalable, innovative agritech startups with a strong focus on benefiting smallholder farmers, particularly women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

By combining catalytic grants, tailored technical assistance, coaching, investment readiness support, and facilitated market linkages, the program accelerates up to four high-potential agritech solutions addressing key challenges for smallholder farmers in Rwanda, including productivity and market access, financial inclusion, post-harvest losses, climate resilience and regenerative practices.

Implemented by Swisscontact in partnership with Impact Hub Kigali, the program selects up to 10 startups for Pitch Interviews and 4 for the Acceleration Phase, running from April to October 2026.

What You Get

Four months. Support tied to your growth and scaling plans.

Up to RWF 15M

Catalytic Grant Funding, disbursed in two tranches tied to program entry and mid-term milestone achievement.

Tailored Technical Assistance

Up to 100 hours of expert support across 2–3 priority areas – financial modelling, technology deployment, market strategy, supply chain optimisation, and more.

Coaching & Masterclasses

Bi-weekly check-ins plus group sessions on investment readiness, Impact Measurement, Leadership, inclusive design, and market access,- with topics refined to each cohort’s needs.

Ecosystem Linkages

Facilitated introductions to impact investors, cooperatives, and development partners – plus access to follow-on funding opportunities

Who we are looking for?

We are looking for Agritech Startups and Small-to-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with commercially viable, scalable technological solutions in the agricultural sector that are already operational and demonstrating early traction

We strongly encourage agricultural innovations that deliver meaningful impact for smallholder farmers particularly women, youth, and persons with disabilities – across the following focus areas:

Digital platforms and market access

Technology-driven platforms that connect smallholder farmers to markets, buyers, and agricultural services while ensuring fair pricing and market transparency.

Smart farming, Inputs and enhanced productivity

Technologies and digital tools that improve farm productivity, enable data-driven decision-making, and optimize agricultural operation.

Agri fin-tech and access to services

Technological solutions that foster access to finance, insurance, and essential agricultural services for underserved rural communities.

Climate-smart logistics & cold chain

Energy-efficient transportation approaches and smart logistics solutions that reduce costs, minimize waste, and help smallholder farmers get their products to market efficiently.

Post-harvest loss reduction & storage

Innovative solutions that prevent or reduce post-harvest losses and provide accessible, affordable storage options for smallholder farmers.

Circular & regenerative agriculture

Solutions that support soil amendment, waste valorization, and regenerative agricultural practices to enhance climate resilience and sustainability.

Geographic Focus: While applications from across Rwanda are welcome, priority will be given to startups currently operating in or demonstrating credible, near-term expansion plans to Bugesera, Rwamagana, Musanze, and southern districts other than Muhanga. This ensures concentrated ecosystem support and synergies across supported ventures.

Eligibility & Evaluation Criteria

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

All applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Business registration: Valid registration/certificate of incorporation and at least 2 years of operation in Rwanda

Agritech focus: Offer a technological solution addressing challenges in Rwanda’s agricultural sector.

Have proof of a revenue-generating business with proven market traction and early customers.

Team: Be a team of at least three full-time members dedicated to the startup.

Commitment to collaboration: Be committed to actively participating in the 4-month acceleration program, engaging in peer learning, and sharing learnings with fellow startups

Women-led businesses are especially encouraged to apply.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

The evaluation process for the Kura Na Agtech Acceleration Program will be based on the following criteria:

Innovation: The solution applies technology in an innovative way to address challenges in Rwanda’s agricultural sector

Impact Potential: The solution demonstrates strong potential to benefit smallholder farmers, particularly women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

Financial sustainability: The startup has a clear business model, proven revenue streams, and is financially sustainable.

Traction: The startup shows market validation with early customers, active users, and/or demonstrated farmer engagement.

Scalability: The startup has strong potential to scale and reach underserved rural markets across Rwanda.

Team capability: The team combines relevant technical and business expertise and demonstrates commitment to scaling the solution.

Inclusion and accessibility: The solution considers affordability, accessibility, and the specific needs of rural women, youth and persons with disabilities.

Applications are reviewed by Impact Hub Kigali and Swisscontact. While we welcome applicants working across various agritech focus areas, preference will be given to startups that already show traction and market validation, have existing operations in Rwanda, and demonstrate clear potential to reach smallholder farmers at scale.

Program Timeline

Learn more about the program

Three startups. Four months. Practial progress.

Discover the stories of 3 ventures that shaped the first edition of Kura Na Agtech

Applications close May 31st, 2026.

Implementing Partners

IH Kigali is a leading innovation hub that supports impact-driven entrepreneurs and innovators to start, grow, and scale sustainable startups that drive economic growth while maximising their positive impact.

Through tailored incubation and acceleration programs, and ecosystem-building initiatives, IHK provides technical support and resources, and facilitates connections to partners, investors, and the public sector.

In Rwanda, Swisscontact works to strengthen economic development, vocational training, and private sector engagement, particularly in agriculture and rural livelihoods.

As lead implementing partner for the AgroInnovation Project, Swisscontact provides strategic oversight, grant facilitation, and coordination to ensure program impact and accountability.

Kura Na Agtech is powered by Swisscontact, in partnership with Impact Hub Kigali, as part of Swisscontact’s AgroInnovation initiative.

Everything you need before you apply

1.How do I apply for the Kura Na Agtech 2.0?

2. Who is eligible to apply?

We are looking for Agritech Startups and Small-to-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with commercially viable, scalable technological solutions that address key challenges for smallholder farmers in Rwanda. Applicants must: Be legally registered in Rwanda with at least 2 years of operation in Rwanda. Offer a technology-driven solution in one of the following focus areas: Digital platforms and market access Smart farming and enhanced productivity Agri fin-tech and access to services Climate-smart logistics & cold chain Post-harvest loss reduction & storage Circular & regenerative agriculture Demonstrate revenue generation and early market traction Have a team of at three full-time members, including at least one founder Commit to active participation in the 4-month acceleration program Women-led startups are especially encouraged to apply.

3. How many startups will be selected?

4. What stage must my venture be at to apply?

5. Do we have to be based in Rwanda?

6. Will there be an information session to learn more about the program?

7. What are the benefits of this program?

Selected startups receive comprehensive, milestone-driven support: Catalytic Grant Funding: Up to 15,000,000 RWF milestone-based grants disbursed in two tranches. Tailored Technical Assistance: Up to 100 hours of expert support across 2–3 priority areas (e.g., financial modelling, technology deployment, market strategy, supply chain optimization) Coaching & Masterclasses: Bi-weekly check-ins plus group sessions on inclusive design, market access, and scaling strategies Ecosystem Linkages: Facilitated introductions to impact investors, cooperatives, and development partners

8. How is the selection process structured?

Call for Applications & Screening: IHK reviews all applications against eligibility and evaluation criteria Pitch Interviews (Closed Sessions): Up to 10 shortlisted startups present to the selection committee for assessment of impact potential and alignment with the program Due Diligence Field Visits: Top 6 startups undergo site visits to validate operations, farmer reach, team capacity, and traction Final Selection: 4 startups are selected based on combined pitch and due diligence scores to enter the acceleration phase

9. What should I expect during Pitch Interviews?

Pitch Interviews are closed evaluation sessions (not public events) where your team will present your solution, impact model, and growth strategy to the selection committee. Expect questions on: Problem-solution fit and smallholder farmer impact Business model sustainability and revenue strategy Technology deployment and scalability Team composition and execution capacity Inclusion practices (gender, youth, accessibility)

10. How will the Due Diligence process be conducted?

Due Diligence involves field visits conducted by IHK and Swisscontact experts to: Validate operational claims and farmer reach Review financial records, legal documentation, and governance structures Assess team capacity and technical readiness to scale Evaluate alignment with environmental and social safeguards Each startup will be scored against standardised criteria to ensure an objective, transparent assessment.

11. How is the Acceleration Phase structured?

The 4-month acceleration phase (July - October 2026) includes: Kick-off & Diagnostics: One-on-one assessments to identify business gaps and co-develop a tailored acceleration package Technical Assistance: Deployment of sector experts for up to 100 hours of targeted support Masterclasses & Peer Learning: Group sessions on investment readiness, inclusive design, and market access Bi-weekly Coaching: Regular check-ins to track milestones, troubleshoot challenges, and facilitate peer exchange Ecosystem Linkages: Strategic introductions to investors, off-takers, and partners

12. What language will the program be conducted in?

13. Are there costs associated with program participation?

14. How is grant funding disbursed?

Grant funding is milestone-based, disbursed in two tranches: Tranche 1 (80%): Released early in the acceleration phase upon contract signing and approval of the startup's customized support plan Tranche 2 (20%): Released mid-program upon successful validation of agreed milestones and submission of a mid-term report startups must submit financial narrative reports and expenditure documentation to ensure transparency and accountability.

15. How much time should the startup plan to commit?

Selected startups are expected to actively participate in all core program activities from June to October 2026, including: Kick-off session and diagnostic assessments Bi-weekly coaching check-ins Masterclasses and peer learning sessions Technical assistance sessions with experts Milestone reporting and grant utilisation tracking At least one senior decision-maker (e.g., founder or Managing Director) must be consistently engaged throughout the program.

16. Selection: How will startups be evaluated?

Applications are assessed against the following criteria: Innovation: The solution applies technology in an innovative way to address challenges in Rwanda's agricultural sector (e.g., climate smart solutions, digital platforms, financial technologies, smart logistics, or circular approaches). Impact Potential: The solution demonstrates strong potential to benefit smallholder farmers, particularly women, youth, and persons with disabilities, by improving productivity and market access, financial inclusion, post-harvest losses, climate resilience and regenerative practices. Financial sustainability: The startup has a clear business model, proven revenue streams, and is financially sustainable. Traction: The startup shows market validation with early customers, active users, and/or demonstrated farmer engagement. Scalability: The startup has strong potential to scale and reach underserved rural markets across Rwanda. Team capability: The team combines relevant technical and business expertise and demonstrates commitment to scaling the solution. Inclusion and accessibility: The solution considers affordability, accessibility, and the specific needs of rural women, youth and persons with disabilities.

17. Data and Confidentiality: How is applicant data handled?

Application information and supporting documents are accessed only by program implementers (IHK, Swisscontact) and selection committee members involved in the evaluation process. Individual applications, financial records, business strategies, and sensitive operational data are not shared publicly. Startups that advance to key stages (e.g., Pitch Interviews, Acceleration Phase) may be publicly announced with prior consent. Any use of a startup's name, logo, photos, or story for communications follows the consent options included in the application form. Program results may be shared in aggregate form (e.g., cohort totals, average impact metrics) without identifying individual startup data.

Have questions? Not sure if your venture qualifies? Join our info session on May 19, 2026

Smallholder farmers can't wait.

Up to 4 agritech startups will be selected for RWF 15M in grants, 100 hours of expert support, and direct connections to markets and investors.

Applications close May 31st, 2026.