The Halcyon Africa Innovation in Agriculture and Food Security Accelerator 2027 is inviting early-stage, impact-driven ventures based in Sub-Saharan Africa to apply for a programme supporting innovative solutions in agriculture, food security and climate resilience. The accelerator is designed for entrepreneurs developing market-based solutions that improve the livelihoods and resilience of smallholder farmers, strengthen food systems and help communities respond to climate-related challenges. Selected founders will participate in a hybrid programme combining virtual sessions with two in-person residencies in Accra, Ghana, and Nairobi, Kenya. The programme provides entrepreneurs with funding, professional advisors, expert workshops, investor networking and access to Halcyon’s global founder community. Eligibility Requirements Applicants must meet several requirements to be considered for the Halcyon Africa Innovation in Agriculture and Food Security Accelerator. The venture must be based in Sub-Saharan Africa and have a working Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with realistic potential for scale. Businesses should have progressed beyond the idea stage and be at the paid-pilot or post-revenue stage. Applicants are expected to demonstrate early commercial traction and market validation through indicators such as paid pilots, revenue, customer contracts or similar evidence of market demand. The venture should also demonstrate early evidence of positive impact on smallholder farmers, low-income or vulnerable communities or food systems. The applicant must be the CEO or hold primary decision-making authority within the venture. A founder may apply with up to one co-founder, and the applicant must work full-time on the venture. Applicants must be at least 21 years old by the start of the programme and fluent in English, as programme activities will be conducted in English. Selected founders must commit to participating fully in programme activities, including virtual sessions, events and both in-person residencies. Impact Areas The accelerator is intended for businesses contributing to one or more of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through market-based approaches to agriculture and food systems. Particular attention is given to ventures improving smallholder farmer livelihoods and resilience, strengthening food security and helping communities and food systems prepare for, withstand and adapt to climate-related shocks. Relevant areas include agricultural productivity, farmer livelihoods, market access, nutrition, food security and climate resilience. Priority Sectors Halcyon is interested in a broad range of technology-enabled agriculture and food security solutions, including: Climate-smart and resilient agriculture: regenerative farming, soil health, drought-resistant crops and agricultural inputs. Farm productivity and precision agriculture: precision farming, farm management, remote sensing, improved inputs and mechanisation. Water and irrigation: water-efficiency technologies, solar-powered irrigation and drought-management solutions. Agricultural data and climate intelligence: digital extension services, agronomic advice, weather information and early-warning systems. Market access and farmer platforms: marketplaces, aggregation platforms, cooperatives and off-take solutions. Agri-fintech: farmer credit, input financing, agricultural payments and insurance. Supply chains and logistics: last-mile logistics, cold-chain solutions, food transportation and distribution. Post-harvest solutions: storage, cooling, processing, drying, packaging and food-loss reduction. Food security and nutrition: nutritious foods, food distribution, institutional procurement and affordable food access. Traceability and resilient value chains: quality grading, price transparency, certification and crop-specific value-chain technologies. Other relevant technology-enabled agriculture and food security ventures may also be considered. Accelerator Benefits Selected ventures will receive a US$10,000 equity-free stipend per venture and US$10,000 in AWS credits. Participants will also gain access to Halcyon’s global community of more than 650 founders, professional advisors and workshops covering leadership development, capital strategy and product-market fit. The programme also provides opportunities to network with investors and other stakeholders. Additional benefits may remain available to participants after completing the programme through Halcyon’s alumni community. Selection Criteria Applications are assessed according to four principal criteria: Impact, Scalability, Innovation and Talent. The selection process considers the venture’s measurable impact, ability to grow sustainably, originality of its solution and the founder’s ability to develop the company and achieve its intended impact. Programme Timeline The key dates for the 2027 accelerator are: Initial deadline for consideration: 23 October 2026 Invitational deadline: 30 October 2026 Pitch Days: 7–8 December 2026 Selected founders notified: 18 December 2026 Virtual kickoff: 9 February 2027 Residency 1: Accra, Ghana, 11–19 March 2027 Virtual meetings: 9 April, 23 April and 7 May 2027 Residency 2: Nairobi, Kenya, 28 May–4 June 2027 How to Apply Eligible founders can apply through Halcyon’s official application process. Applicants should ensure that their venture meets the location, development-stage, commercial traction, impact and founder requirements before submitting an application. 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