Halcyon Africa Innovation in Agriculture and Food Security Accelerator 2027

Halcyon Africa Innovation in Agriculture and Food Security Accelerator 2027 is a year-round program designed for early-stage, impact-driven ventures in agriculture and food security. It supports ventures at the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage, requiring proof of a functional product with core features delivering value to users. The program emphasizes scalable, commercially viable solutions that embed measurable progress toward UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in climate adaptation, health, and EquityTech. Applicants must be full-time founders and can apply globally, with cohorts limited to up to 10 ventures per program. The accelerator blends in-person and virtual components, including residencies and monthly virtual meetings, with stipend support distributed throughout the program.

What it offers

• Hybrid program model: One virtual kickoff day, a one-week in-person residency at the start, four monthly virtual meetings, and another one-week in-person residency at the end.
• Stipend support: Financial assistance provided at multiple stages (before residencies and upon program completion).
• Networking and mentorship: Engagement with a cohort of up to 10 ventures, external subject-matter experts, and Halcyon’s alumni community.
• Focus on impact and scalability: Strong emphasis on embedded impact in business models, measurable progress toward SDGs, and commercially viable growth.
• Eligibility assessment: A rolling eligibility survey followed by an invitational second-round application for selected ventures.

Who can apply

This program is open to for-profit ventures at the MVP stage, demonstrating a functional product with paying customers or users. Applicants must be full-time founders and must align with Halcyon’s criteria for impact, scalability, innovation, and talent. Ventures must address agriculture or food security challenges, with a focus on underserved communities and measurable progress toward SDGs. Founders can apply globally, but specific program locations may have regional restrictions.

What you'll do

• Complete a year-round eligibility survey (submitted once per venture).
• If eligible, participate in multi-week open application rounds for specific programs, submitting a second-round application.
• Engage in in-person and virtual program activities, including residencies, monthly meetings, and mentorship sessions.
• Contribute to and benefit from a collaborative cohort and Halcyon’s broader network.

How to apply

1. Submit a year-round eligibility survey for your venture (no repeated submissions needed).
2. If invited, complete a second-round invitational application during specific multi-week open calls.
3. Provide additional information if requested by Halcyon’s team.

Good to know

• Only one eligibility application per venture is required; multiple founders can be listed.
• Full-time commitment is mandatory for participation.
• Rejected applicants may remain in Halcyon’s qualified pool for future opportunities.
• Stipends are distributed at multiple points during the fellowship, including before and after residencies.
• No reapplication is allowed if the initial eligibility form is rejected.
• The program is rolling, with specific fellowship windows opening periodically throughout the year.