dmtr Workshop May 2026

Call for Startups: Growing Impact and Funding Readiness for Food System Startups

A virtual workshop series for early-stage founders building solutions that strengthen food systems and improve food security across Africa and Asia.

Apply Now

Deadline 1st May

About the Workshops

In May 2026, dmtr will bring together a small cohort of early-stage founders to participate in practical workshops designed to strengthen the foundations of their ventures.

Building a successful food system venture requires more than a great idea. This three-part workshop series is designed for early-stage founders and innovators looking to turn their solutions into viable, impactful, and fundable ventures. Through practical sessions led by experienced founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders, participants will critically test their business models, learn how to measure and communicate impact with credibility, and understand what it truly takes to attract the right kind of funding. Expect honest insights, real-world lessons, and hands-on exercises that will challenge assumptions and strengthen your venture at every stage.

Workshop Themes

The series will consist of three virtual half-day sessions

 Business Foundations

Strengthening business models, value propositions, and market fit.

Funding Readiness

Exploring funding pathways and understanding what investors look for in early-stage ventures.

Measuring and Communicating Impact

Understanding how to measure impact and communicate it effectively to partners and funders.

Who Should Apply?

We are looking for early-stage startups and teams developing solutions that address challenges across food systems.

Eligible applicants include founders working on innovations related to:

  • agriculture and farmer productivity
  • agri-digital platforms
  • food supply chains and logistics
  • climate-smart agriculture
  • food processing and storage
  • cold chain and distribution
  • food waste reduction
  • improving access to nutritious food

Startups should ideally:

  • be based in Africa or Asia
  • be at idea stage or early operational stage
  • have a founder or senior team member available to attend

Selected startups will benefit from:

  • practical guidance on building stronger business models
  • frameworks to measure and communicate social impact
  • insights into funding pathways and investor expectations
  • the opportunity to connect with other founders and sector experts

Get Involved

If you are building a solution that can strengthen food systems and improve food security, we encourage you to apply.

Apply Now