AYuTe Innovation Challenge

About the Challenge
The challenge is an initiative of Heifer Kenya, which is working closely with KCIC to run the competition. KCIC will employ its expertise in business acceleration to develop a strategic direction for youth, agriculture, and technology in line with Heifer Kenya’s mission and approach.
Kenya’s agriculture industry is the backbone of its economy. However, young Kenyans, who represent more than half of the national labor force, remain almost entirely excluded from this significant industry. This is due to challenges such as negative perceptions of agriculture, lack of awareness of agribusiness value chains, and limited opportunities offered by new technologies and innovative business models.
Young people have the potential to significantly reduce poverty and establish Kenya as one of the key players in agricultural markets. AYuTe Africa Challenge Kenya will translate the energy and ideas of young Kenyan agri-tech innovators into meaningful impact for smallholder farmers across the country and support the winners to grow their businesses and profile.

Now in its fourth chapter in Kenya, the challenge has already made substantial strides. To date, we have received over 600 applications from enthusiastic young innovators. More than 350 entrepreneurs have been trained and mentored, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the agribusiness sector. Additionally, we have awarded $93,460 in cash to help the winning agripreneurs scale their innovations and make a tangible impact on the agricultural landscape.

Introduction

AYuTe Africa Challenge Kenya promotes agricultural innovation in Kenyan youth, contributing to the country’s food security through three key pillars:
1. IDENTIFY: We identify game-changing innovations that address challenges facing smallholder farmers.
2. ELEVATE: We elevate youth-led innovations through mentorship, training and linkage to access to opportunities.
3. GROW TOGETHER: We support agritech innovations that benefit smallholder farmers, alongside our partners.

AYuTe Africa Challenge Kenya Benefits

1. Seed capital (including implementation costs and technical assistance) up to a total of KES. 9, 400, 000 for the top 8 winners.
2. Up to 6 months customized post award business advisory support to the top 8 winners.
3. Customized training boot camps at the various levels of the competition;
4. Technical Assistance at the various levels of the challenge to strengthen the Minimum Viable Product and the business and financial model of the start-up;
5. Coaching & Mentorship, personalized to unpack training into business implementation;
6. Links to opportunities including financial & investment, and other enterprise related actors ;
7. Networking opportunities to showcase your solution and meet with investors and other stakeholders.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Established and registered in Kenya or in the process of registration and having operations in Kenya.
2. Be either early-stage start-up or scale up phase
3. Have an innovative climate smart solution in the following value chains: red meat (beef goats and sheep), dairy, poultry and horticulture.
4. Have an innovative solution responding to the above value chains at either of the following levels: production, aggregation, post-harvest losses management, value addition, access to market, financing.
5. The solution has to have a positive impact on small-holder farmers.
6. Youth are highly encouraged to apply.

Where is the Challenge being Implemented?

The AYuTe Africa Challenge, Kenya is is targeting the following regions with the corresponding counties:
The regions include:
1. Nairobi
2. Central Regional Economic Bloc: Nyeri, Nyandarua, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Laikipia, Nakuru and Kiambu
3. Lake Region Economic Bloc and North Rift Economic Bloc: Migori, Nyamira, Siaya, Vihiga, Bomet, Bungoma, Busia, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Kisii, Kisumu, Kericho, Uasin Gishu, Trans-nzoia, Nandi
4. ASAL & Coastal Counties: Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Isiolo, Marsabit, Tana River, Mombasa, Kwale, Lamu, Kilifi, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Baringo, Samburu, Turkana, Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Taita Taveta Kajiado and Narok

How to Apply?

To apply, fill out the application form here – AYuTe 2025 Innovation Challenge Application Form
The call for applications is open until 28/11/2025 at 11.59 PM EAT.
Any queries? Please write to info.kenya@heifer.org / info@kenyacic.org

FAQs

    Who runs AYuTe Africa Challenge Kenya? The AYuTe Africa Challenge Kenya is an initiative of Heifer Kenya, which works closely with an accelerator to run the challenge.For the 2025 Challenge, Heifer International Kenya is working in collaboration with KCIC, a leading climate incubator in Kenya.
    How long will the challenge run? The challenge will run for 4 months from the time of the call for application to the awarding of the winners.
    Who is eligible to participate? SMEs established and registered in Kenya, or in the process of registration with operations in Kenya, are eligible. Additionally, they could be early-stage start-ups or scale up with innovative, climate smart solutions focusing on beef, dairy, poultry, or horticulture value chains.
    Is my application automatically saved? Yes.
    Is the entry to the competition confidential? Yes, it is. Any information provided in the application will be held in full confidence as we comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Program Eligibility:

Is the AYuTe Kenya challenge only open to Kenyan enterprises? Yes, only enterprises undergoing registration or are already registered in Kenya are eligible to apply.
What stage of enterprise can apply?
1. Ideation (Concept or Prototype) – You are in the early stage of developing your idea. You may have a concept note, model, or prototype, but it has not yet been tested or implemented in the market.
2. Minimum Viable Product (MVP) – You have developed and tested a functional version of your solution with initial users or farmers. The product/service shows early traction and potential for refinement and scale.
3. Scaling (Ready for Market) / Growth Stage – Your innovation is already in the market, generating revenue or impact, and you are seeking support to expand operations, reach new markets, or improve efficiency.
Is there an age criterion for the founders of the enterprise? No, however youths are highly encouraged to apply.
What kind of innovations do you expect the enterprises to be? Innovations offering innovative climate smart solutions that are responding to the needs of the agri-value chain at various levels e.g. production, aggregation, post-harvest losses management, value addition, access to markets, financing, etc

Timelines

        7/11/2025 Call for applications.
        28/11/2025 Call for application Window Closes.
        14/11/25 First and final Info Session