Agrytech, Lebanon’s Agri-Food Innovation Hub, a program jointly funded by the Embassy of Kingdom of Netherlands and Berytech, has been launched. It was launched on January 19, 2017 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beirut, with speeches from Maroun N. Chammas, Chairman & CEO of Berytech; H.E. Han-Maurits Schaapveld a.i., Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Netherlands and Raed Khoury, Minister of Economy & Trade.

The program aims to source the top startups with disruptive innovations in the Agri-Food sector and provide them with the adequate technical and business resources as well as community support. Startups and SMEs with solutions across the Agri-Food value chain are encouraged to apply.

The pillars of the Agrytech program are:

• The Accelerator, which aims to advance innovative ideas in the Agri-Food sector into successful businesses with a global impact.
• The Cluster, which is envisioned to be a catalyst promoting a smart Agri-food innovation hub.
• The Resources platform, which is developed to create effective cooperation, raise awareness on the importance of integrating innovation in the Agri-Food sector, and disseminating information on various topics and themes of relevance to the sector.

Advances in technology are key to the future of food and agriculture, given the global challenges presented and the need for innovation to address them. Under the slogan: “Catalyzing Innovations From Farm To Fork”, the Agrytech Accelerator is open to Startups and SMEs at the idea and early stage with engineering and tech solution including but not limited to Robotics, Remote sensing, Automation, E-commerce, Traceability, Payments, Big Data, Artificial intelligence, Sensors, IOT, Internet, Mobile Payments, Drones, Logistics.

Each year:

• 30 startups will be given the opportunity to build a minimum viable product over the period of two months.
• 15 startups will go into a 4 months acceleration program to validate concept.
• 8 finalists will be able to join the 6 months incubation program, potential internationalization, and benefit from investment.

In sum, the program provides up to $40K in grants and up to one year of support for each startup. Ambassador Schaapveld reiterated the “importance of economic growth and job creation for a stable and more prosperous Lebanon. This contribution will provide a better future for the Lebanese youth. This program is part of a larger stabilization contribution of 86 Mln EUR aimed at reinforcing Lebanon’s resilience.”