Halcyon has opened applications for its Africa Innovation in Agriculture and Food Security Program 2027, targeting early-stage ventures across Sub-Saharan Africa developing market-based solutions for agriculture and food security.

The programme is designed for impact-driven entrepreneurs working to improve the livelihoods and resilience of smallholder farmers, strengthen food systems and help communities respond to climate-related challenges.

Eligible ventures must have a working minimum viable product and be at the paid-pilot or post-revenue stage. Applicants are expected to demonstrate early commercial traction through paid pilots, revenue, customer contracts or other evidence of market demand.

The programme is also seeking ventures that can demonstrate early impact among smallholder farmers, low-income communities, vulnerable groups or within food systems.

Applicants must be based in Sub-Saharan Africa, be at least 21 years old by the start of the programme and work full-time on their venture. The applicant must be the CEO or have primary decision-making authority and may apply with up to one co-founder.

Selected ventures will receive a $10,000 equity-free stipend, together with $10,000 in AWS credits. Participants will also gain access to Halcyon’s global community of more than 650 founders, professional advisers and workshops focused on leadership, capital strategy and product-market fit.

The programme will combine virtual sessions with two in-person residencies. The first will take place in , from 11–19 March 2027, followed by a second residency in Nairobi, Kenya, from 28 May–4 June 2027.

Applications will progress through an initial consideration deadline of 23 October 2026, followed by an invitational deadline of 30 October. Pitch days are scheduled for 7–8 December, with selected applicants expected to be notified on 18 December 2026.

The programme will officially begin with a virtual kickoff on 9 February 2027, followed by the two residencies and virtual meetings scheduled for April and May.

To qualify, ventures must use a market-based approach to address agricultural or food-system challenges and contribute to one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Particular emphasis is placed on solutions that improve livelihoods, resilience and food security for smallholder farmers and vulnerable communities.

The programme provides an opportunity for African agritech and food-system ventures that have moved beyond the idea stage to strengthen their products, commercial models and investment readiness while building connections with entrepreneurs, advisers and potential investors across the continent.