5 – 7 May
REAF IDEATHON SECOND EDITION
Solve challenges in rural economic development by creating solutions to encourage socio-economic resilience
Are you a team of innovators working in agrifood, eco-tourism, and circular economy sectors with direct socio-economic impact? Apply to the second edition of the REAF Ideathon and get the chance to benefit from an 8-month incubation program with tailored capacity-building activities, business development services, technical assistance, coaching, and in-kind grants.
Applications are now closed.
REAF Ideathon Second Edition
Under the Rural Entrepreneurs in Agri-Food (REAF) program, funded by The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in partnership with Berytech, within the framework of the project Strengthening Agriculture, Local Communities and Small and Medium Enterprises (ACE), Berytech is organizing the second edition of the REAF Ideathon to support selected participants grow their business.
Held over three consecutive days, the second edition of the REAF Ideathon is an exciting opportunity for entrepreneurs and startups, working on innovative solutions in the sectors of agrifood, eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, and circular economy, operating in South Mount Lebanon, Central and West Bekaa, solving real problems/challenges in rural communities to enhance their concept, receive support, and pitch their proposed solutions to a panel of judges to get the chance to be selected to join the 8-month REAF Incubation program.
Workshops
Get all the information you need to enhance your solution.
Clinics
Receive support from mentors and experts.
Pitching
Pitch your solution to the jury and receive expert feedback to enhance your idea.
The Grants
15 winners
$2,000*
+ ACCESS THE VALIDATION & PRE-INCUBATION PHASE OF THE PROGRAM
15 winners of the second edition of the REAF Ideathon will be incubated for three months receiving technical and business support. Following this phase, eight startups will proceed to the next incubation phase and receive up to $4,500 to build and launch their minimum viable product – MVP.
Who can apply
You are encouraged to apply if you are a team:
- Working in the agrifood, eco-tourism, and circular economy projects that have direct socio-economic impact.
- Operating in South of Mount Lebanon, Central and West Bekaa.
- With at least two Lebanese co-founders aged between 18 and 35.
The process:
- Submit your application before April 25, 2023, at 5:00pm.
- If selected, attend the second edition of the REAF Ideathon over 3 days.
- Pitch your idea/solution and get the chance to win.
The 3-day
Schedule
3:00 PM REAF Introduction and Challenges Presentation
3:30 PM Panel on Rural Development with Existing Startups
4:00 PM Applicants Introduction Followed by an Icebreaker
5:00 PM Networking Break Followed by Dinner
5:30 PM Ideation Workshop
9:30 AM Lean Model Canvas Workshop
11:30 AM Practical Exercises on Scatching their Solution
1:30 PM Lunch Break
2:00 PM Business & Product Clinics
6:00 PM Dinner
6:30 PM Pitching Workshop
9:30 AM Pitching Clinics
1:30 PM Lunch Break
2:00 PM Pitch Rehearsal
3:30 PM Deadline to Submit Pitch Deck
4:00 PM Final Pitching in front of the Jury
6:00 PM Dinner and End Note
Selection Criteria
By the end of the second edition of the REAF Ideathon, all startups will have to present a 3-minute pitch presenting their proposed solution to the specific challenges in the form of sustainable business model to a jury of experts followed by a 5-minute Q/A.
Target market, and Customer Segment
- The startup demonstrates a clear customer understanding and empathy and targets a specific pain or problem for a relevant stakeholder.
- The startup has a clear understanding of the characteristics of their target customers and personas.
Idea Validation
- The startup addresses the problem and market validation. The problem/opportunity is ubiquitous, and the solution is innovative and feasible.
- The problem is worth solving, has a clear value, and matches the solution’s value proposition.
Business Model
- The startup has a clearly defined model of “how they will generate revenue.”
Competitiveness and Scalability
- The idea is competitive globally. Few competitors would be working in direct competition with the startup after they move from idea to MVP to a fully operational startup/SME.
Innovation and Impact
- The business idea presented is original or new, or introduces a change made to an existing product, idea, or field.
Team
- Startup composition demonstrates the ability to execute and are committed to the project.
- Startup members’ background is clear, fitting with the roles and responsibilities needed to take the idea forward.
Start your application
Applications for the second edition of the REAF Ideathon are now closed.
Deadline To Apply: April 25, 2023, at 5:00PM (Beirut Time)
FAQ
The event will be held physically at Berytech. You will receive all the needed information once you are selected among the teams.
No, you do not need to pay for transportation or accommodation during the REAF Ideathon. These expenses are covered by the organizers.
As a team, you are expected to present a pitch deck about your suggested business model for your solution in a 3-minute pitch.
To participate you need to be a team of at least 2 people. We recommend having 3 members in your team with different backgrounds.
Yes. You will have plenty of free time to work on your solution, you just need to make sure to attend all the workshops and be ready for check-in so that the team doesn’t get dismissed from the competition.
The REAF Ideathon is organized by Berytech under the Rural Entrepreneurs in Agri-Food (REAF) program.
If you have any questions or need information, feel free to email us at reaf@berytech.org.
The SDGs
As a member of the Global Compact Network Lebanon, Berytech enacts the 10 principles of the UNGC and the REAF program falls under Berytech’s mission to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.
