The Mekong Agriculture Technology Challenge (MATch) was introduced in HCM City on November 16. (Photo: Future Food Asia) HCM City (VNA) – The Mekong Agriculture Technology Challenge (MATch) was introduced in HCM City on November 16, aiming to support agricultural startups for the Mekong region’s agriculture to be turned into a more competitive and sustainable industry.
MATch is the latest in a series of innovation accelerators by the Mekong Business Initiative (MBI) with funding and support from the Australian Government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). It looks for innovative agribusiness startups and technological solution providers from across the globe to help transform the Mekong region’s agriculture industry into a leading global supplier of “safe and nutritious food for all”.
It includes two challenges – the MATch Startup Accelerator and the MATch Market Access Accelerator. The first is aimed at innovative early stage agritech startups and traditional agriculture businesses with new, scalable business models in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam. The second will help mature international agritech companies expand into the Mekong region. Participants will receive mentorship and assistance with their expansion plans including product adaptation, and forge relationships with potential partners and investors in the region.
The competition provides awards and prizes worth 200,000 USD in total, given via technical support and service provision. Award winners will also be introduced to and receive finance from strategic investors.
It is accepting online applications at www.match.mekongbiz.org until the end of December, 2017.-VNA
VNA
