Data for soil health and innovation challenges 2025

OVERVIEW OF THE CHALLENGES

The Data and Soil Innovation Challenges tackle soil health threats by uniting innovators, researchers, and policymakers to co-create digital and non-digital solutions using AI, machine learning, and big data, enhancing agricultural productivity through cross-sector collaboration and improved data access.

Both the Data Challenge and the Innovation Challenge focuses on soil Health, envisioning a future where technology and data science drive sustainable agricultural growth by:

Providing scalable solutions for soil management.
Equipping farmers with data-driven insights for better yields.
Supporting evidence-based policymaking using real-time data.
Fostering partnerships between researchers, policymakers, and the private sector.

Thematic areas for data for soil health challenge

Thematic areas for innovation in soil health challenge

RESOURCES: Data for Soil Health and Innovation Challenge Concept Note (PDF)

WHO CAN APPLY?

AgTech startups – digital solutions for soil health.
Agricultural practitioners – tools for improved soil management.
Researchers and academics – contributions in AI, soil science, and agriculture.
Government agencies and policymakers – supporting sustainable agriculture policies.
Investors and donors – funding innovative agricultural solutions.
Data providers and analysts – supplying critical datasets.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Eligibility criteria for Data Challenge

The Data Challenge is open to individuals, teams, and organizations with data-driven solutions aimed at improving soil health in Kenya. Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Eligibility criteria for Innovation Challenge

The Innovation Challenge is designed for startups, and organizations developing data-driven technological or practical solutions to enhance soil health. Applicants must meet the following criteria:

· Registered entities – Participants must represent legally registered entities (startups, companies, research institutions, or NGOs) operating for at least two years (registered before September 30, 2022).

· Scalable and impact solutions – Proposed solutions must be practical, scalable, and aligned with one or more of the challenge’s five thematic areas.

· Technology-driven – Solutions must leverage AI, big data, or advanced analytics to enhance soil health, optimize fertilizer use, or support precision agriculture.

· Data accessibility and compliance – Participants should have access to relevant datasets and comply with data governance regulations and commit to signing the required data sharing agreements if shortlisted.

· Collaborative potential – Teams should demonstrate the ability to collaborate with other stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, farmers, and donors.

· Registered entities – Participants must be legally registered entities (startups, SMEs, research institutions, or NGOs) operating and registered before September 30, 2022).

· Scalable and impactful solutions – Proposed innovations must be practical, scalable, and address one or more of the five innovation categories.

· Applicants must have a minimum viable product (MVP) with at least 5,000 users or customers in Africa or a demonstrable track record of practical application.

· Agricultural technology focus – Solutions must contribute to sustainable soil management, soil restoration, or climate-smart agriculture.

· Farmer-centered approach – Innovations should be accessible and practical for smallholder farmers, promoting sustainable adoption.

· Potential for commercialization – Innovations must show potential for market adoption and long-term viability.

HOW TO APPLY

You can apply for either the Data for Soil Health Challenge and/or the Innovation Challenge, or both by completing the application forms below:

Apply here:

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

If successfully shortlisted, you will:

Gain access to expert mentorship and industry networks.
Work with real-world datasets to develop AI-driven and data-powered solutions.
Receive incubation and acceleration support to scale your innovation.
Showcase your solution at a high-profile pitch event in Nairobi attended by investors, policymakers, and global partners.
For the Innovation Challenge, select winner(s) will receive the Thryve Award, and will be accepted into the Thryve Accelerator Program.

PARTNERS

These challenges are supported by the World Bank in partnership with several local and international agricultural institutions.

Data for soil health and innovation challenges 2025

ABOUT THE DATA FOR SOIL HEALTH AND INNOVATION CHALLENGES 2025

Challenge timeline:

OVERVIEW OF THE CHALLENGES

WHO CAN APPLY?

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

DETAILS