<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Jmf4zzgHf4CMOnRTUeOrlAoOnEZg5JUAj9C7WhM3PHhxtkVCGSaiIGBjwdi-Cz4F5JIqlvCDUk3Lb9jyl0JEiI8ScrugRMbvD81aOruElFMiJXzVrEqPzs0KgsLBxKnQn9BekWlj72ItLR-L_pIhwqfWt9Nb7uq-LF2NteS7RIpj-jJsL_QQZctRl7SxcoTh4Kr0UiYGE8qxpu47Do5NYA==&c=q8Bn_1-pTSnzrSrv1OUBA9JzMKW5irqBxQLvk3GJaAXqiVbJ3mZkRA==&ch=Rz6CwKpNo4rmGdQx2DisUgfyOv20kmUyf2Z6o5cUnmEgEWBR1oz4HQ==> <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Jmf4zzgHf4CMOnRTUeOrlAoOnEZg5JUAj9C7WhM3PHhxtkVCGSaiIGBjwdi-Cz4FxQsDX1drj06CTxjVb1eTdWqkgNpaPNI6wmTuQ8sZiB0bn9jpxqB3YGBdnHh82xw5BcO6wR54MKAz6wm3fYb8v9MD-VTBc1rwlwodVst8_OmDoIbaHVnD84TESu-O5WtEqrimdu5u8oIcD-OChUTKgg==&c=q8Bn_1-pTSnzrSrv1OUBA9JzMKW5irqBxQLvk3GJaAXqiVbJ3mZkRA==&ch=Rz6CwKpNo4rmGdQx2DisUgfyOv20kmUyf2Z6o5cUnmEgEWBR1oz4HQ==> <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Jmf4zzgHf4CMOnRTUeOrlAoOnEZg5JUAj9C7WhM3PHhxtkVCGSaiIGBjwdi-Cz4FaDvlGIkD1BoCFNGRT3dGXl8BFbqMvzYyQGP5-pcSf8erMYiTrl8bqo_byIlZ01nO_WXME4PvC-Do88YkI5VX-iwYxvO5oAiDKpYIuHMDA2EdaPIb8Bd1kl0PZL8t2QJ5AwPGGXTBQ6jccap1SpnW8w==&c=q8Bn_1-pTSnzrSrv1OUBA9JzMKW5irqBxQLvk3GJaAXqiVbJ3mZkRA==&ch=Rz6CwKpNo4rmGdQx2DisUgfyOv20kmUyf2Z6o5cUnmEgEWBR1oz4HQ==> <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Jmf4zzgHf4CMOnRTUeOrlAoOnEZg5JUAj9C7WhM3PHhxtkVCGSaiIGBjwdi-Cz4FlqlngQY6F_q4BHlEOGueOQ7P-xRgeYijVo9PAtcqa5_D0P7cY__v4HQ3XmG314V2vqtNSdZ1MsG2RfySh9bIOBZZbgqJPesW7aC0GvLJWLaOHCrPix11VtDCkvRzqqufiiQK4hbkEz-YHYLbBFjTUA==&c=q8Bn_1-pTSnzrSrv1OUBA9JzMKW5irqBxQLvk3GJaAXqiVbJ3mZkRA==&ch=Rz6CwKpNo4rmGdQx2DisUgfyOv20kmUyf2Z6o5cUnmEgEWBR1oz4HQ==> <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Jmf4zzgHf4CMOnRTUeOrlAoOnEZg5JUAj9C7WhM3PHhxtkVCGSaiIGBjwdi-Cz4FGnHpbc1obwnn0pt8i_tDYK9SOzET9NyNJMNPOSTHoQvli2YMuE3F_SXAZ2OVoeaDdK964_f4tvAPAuI75qJPrKmkYCDzogBusZUaKguZhi3JBew51wYg-ZUN4WqS0xzoxRjdlGSw5-lCWdKnFZ2Alg==&c=q8Bn_1-pTSnzrSrv1OUBA9JzMKW5irqBxQLvk3GJaAXqiVbJ3mZkRA==&ch=Rz6CwKpNo4rmGdQx2DisUgfyOv20kmUyf2Z6o5cUnmEgEWBR1oz4HQ==> * CALL FOR APPLICATIONS! Do you have a big idea that could transform agriculture AND AGRIBUSINESS* * in East Africa? * *2016 GAIA AgTech Innovation Challenge * African food and agribusiness will be powered by innovation, especially that which closes the gender gap. To be impactful, this innovation in should focus on improved technologies and new business models that greatly benefit women value chain actors. We are pleased to announce that Gender in Agribusiness Investments in Africa (GAIA) is now accepting applications from institutions and enterprises for the 2016 GAIA AgTech Innovation Challenge. GAIA has been launched by AWARD <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Jmf4zzgHf4CMOnRTUeOrlAoOnEZg5JUAj9C7WhM3PHhxtkVCGSaiINti8E9j4buI_9we5QOljBwgEuw_MV5XkzFqDyaQB5G18GAB7a4q5nLsnC-je6Q7meOj5tBVFrPv9DYZaHnneRw9FeRfdSzRAKN0k9DIZvKI9rll_82MWtk5R4u4op_R3w==&c=q8Bn_1-pTSnzrSrv1OUBA9JzMKW5irqBxQLvk3GJaAXqiVbJ3mZkRA==&ch=Rz6CwKpNo4rmGdQx2DisUgfyOv20kmUyf2Z6o5cUnmEgEWBR1oz4HQ==> to increase agribusiness investments in technological and business model innovations that benefit African women value chain actors.* Do you have a big idea that has been piloted successfully in East Africa that focuses on:* 1. *Closing yield gaps in crop and livestock value chains* 2. *Reducing post-harvest losses* 3. *Improving agri-market efficiencies* We are looking for institutions and business enterprises with innovations spanning the research-to-commercialization continuum, and those addressing business model re-invention. Innovations should contribute towards transforming agricultural practices in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania for improved incomes and food security for smallholder farmers, especially women. The AgTech innovations should demonstrate clear benefits to women smallholder farmers, and other women value chain actors. They should be scalable across multiple geographies in sub-Saharan Africa. *APPLY HERE! <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Jmf4zzgHf4CMOnRTUeOrlAoOnEZg5JUAj9C7WhM3PHhxtkVCGSaiINti8E9j4buIc6rfPC7kCs8ebCp4ZOFV0kFqmNHGiSzqhOnR9WLaST5xutIdY04KtcDFEryTVP4e0td4XnRbJWNp_k5JZrd8ggjs8JA1PppjrJIUOFzCD6RuDn0GNtwN5zJIPIJukxkE&c=q8Bn_1-pTSnzrSrv1OUBA9JzMKW5irqBxQLvk3GJaAXqiVbJ3mZkRA==&ch=Rz6CwKpNo4rmGdQx2DisUgfyOv20kmUyf2Z6o5cUnmEgEWBR1oz4HQ==> * *Deadline: 28th October* Submissions will be evaluated on a rolling basis until 28th October 2016. Early submissions are encouraged, and winners will be notified on 31st October 2016. *ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA * AWARD GAIA is looking for enterprises that: - Are in the *agriculture* or allied sectors, with an innovative technology or business model - Are *women-led* or have *women managers* - Have a clear *for-profit business model* with high potential for scale - Have some* proof of concept* on the ground, conducted pilots and are preferably generating revenues - Have an experienced, credible and dedicated *founding team* - Are *looking for funding* to commercialize/scale - Have operations in either of the following countries *Ethiopia, Ke**nya, Uganda *or* Tanzania* * The top 20 companies will be chosen from the applicants to participate in an in-depth boot camp, and then be showcased to investors, incubators, and other support organizations in Nairobi, Kenya in November 2016. The goal of this challenge is to support promising women working in agriculture to refine their business model, and help connect them to additional key players in the agriculture sector.* * For any inquiries, please contact: AWARDGAIA@cgiar.org <AWARDGAIA@cgiar.org> * Intellecap is a pioneer in providing innovative business solutions that help build and scale profitable and sustainable enterprises dedicated to social and environmental change. Founded in 2002, Intellecap has grown into a Group with more than 900 employees and 300 engagements across 25 countries. AWARD is a career-development program that since 2008 has, through tailored fellowships, equipped top women agricultural scientists across sub-Saharan Africa to accelerate agricultural gains by strengthening their science and leadership skills. Intellecap, Tetezi Towers, Ground Floor, At the corner of George Padmore Road & Marcus Garvey Road, Nairobi, Kenya SafeUnsubscribe™ thomaskaberi@optimal.co.ke <https://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=un&m=001caDoJUKU90Y2iUCR3j_e9A%3D%3D&ch=4df081d0-de22-11e5-8e4f-d4ae5292c36f&ca=0980223f-4219-41f6-9c1c-f8fdc8df585c> Forward this email <http://ui.constantcontact.com/sa/fwtf.jsp?llr=xaq4swcab&m=1102417215511&ea=thomaskaberi%40optimal.co.ke&a=1126167070418> | Update Profile <https://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=oo&m=001caDoJUKU90Y2iUCR3j_e9A%3D%3D&ch=4df081d0-de22-11e5-8e4f-d4ae5292c36f&ca=0980223f-4219-41f6-9c1c-f8fdc8df585c> | About our service provider <http://www.constantcontact.com/legal/service-provider?cc=about-service-provider> Sent by arielle.molino@intellecap.net in collaboration with [image: Constant Contact] <http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=TEM_News_252> Try it free today <http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=TEM_News_252> -- Most Diligently, Optimal Consulting I Managing Partner Business Development Consultants in: Customer focus, Process Re-engineering & Business Intelligence. For: SMEs, Projects & Start-ups. M2 Tower 1 The Mirage Westlands Chiromo Rd Nairobi 52921-00100 I Office: 0739 99 99 77 I Cell: +254 721 849 647 www.optimal.co.ke skype:​ thomaskaberi Office:* +254 716 903 869* Cell: *+254 721 849 647* *My LinkedIn Profile <https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=88861691&trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile>* *Truth Lives Forever.* This message contains confidential information and is intended only for the individual named. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please notify the sender immediately by e-mail if you have received this e-mail by mistake and delete this e-mail from your system. If you are not the intended recipient you are notified that disclosing, copying, distributing or taking any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited. Warning: Although the sender has taken reasonable precautions to ensure no viruses are present in this email, the company cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage arising from the use of this email or attachments