Applications are now open for the MENA Regenerative Agriculture Venture Programme 2026/2027, which aims to empower and upskill researchers, students, and early entrepreneurs tackling fundamental agricultural challenges in the Middle East and North Africa region through research, process, and technological innovation.
One detail widens the door considerably: the programme is open to applicants worldwide. Eligibility is determined not by where you live but by whether your proposed solution addresses agricultural conditions and opportunities within the MENA region, meaning an innovator in Nairobi, Lagos, or Delhi can apply, provided the work targets MENA food systems.
Who the Programme Wants
The profile is specific. The programme seeks researchers and innovators looking to develop their work to proof-of-concept stage, with a focus on acquiring the business and entrepreneurship capabilities required to scale and secure funding.
In other words, this is not a research grant for papers. It is a venture-building programme for people whose science is ready to become a solution, and who need the commercial skills to take it there.
What Solutions Qualify
Applications must present impactful research, science, or nature-based solutions, with both process-driven and technological innovations eligible.
Every application must directly address food system challenges within the Middle East and North Africa, including:
- Climate change adaptation and mitigation
- Soil health restoration and combating desertification
- Carbon farming and sequestration
- Biodiversity enhancement
- Food and water security
- Farmer support and livelihoods
Example Themes
Solutions can span process or technological approaches across regenerative agriculture themes such as:
- Healthy soil regeneration and diversified crops
- Organic and bio fertilisers, and use of organic waste
- Sustainable food security with fewer chemicals
- Enhanced water security and biodiversity development
- Integrating livestock and agroforestry (silvopasture)
- Reinforced carbon capture
- Enhanced rural and social welfare
- Reduced desertification and salinity
- Reduction of synthetic pesticides for disease control
- Technological solutions
Geographic Scope and Exclusions
The programme is open to applicants worldwide, with eligibility determined by the proposed solution’s relevance to MENA agricultural conditions.
One exception applies: the programme is currently not accepting applications from Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Sudan, Libya, Yemen, and Syria.
Application Deadline
The application deadline has not been specified. Interested applicants are advised to apply early and monitor the official programme page for updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the MENA Regenerative Agriculture Venture Programme?
Researchers, students, and early entrepreneurs from anywhere in the world, provided their proposed solution addresses agricultural conditions and opportunities in the MENA region.
Do I need to live in the MENA region?
No. Applications are open worldwide, with eligibility based on the solution’s relevance to MENA food systems rather than the applicant’s location.
What stage should my work be at?
The programme targets innovators seeking to develop their work to proof-of-concept stage, with a focus on building business and entrepreneurship capabilities to scale and secure funding.
What kinds of solutions are eligible?
Research, science, or nature-based solutions, whether process-driven or technological, addressing MENA food system challenges such as climate adaptation, soil health, carbon farming, biodiversity, food and water security, and farmer livelihoods.
Are any countries excluded?
Yes. Applications are currently not accepted from Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Sudan, Libya, Yemen, and Syria.
What is the deadline?
Unspecified. Applicants should apply early and follow the official programme page for updates.
