Deadline: August 30, 2025
The Fontagro LATAM Impact Agrobioentrepreneurship Contest 2025 is now open for applications! This regional initiative, organised by FONTAGRO, in partnership with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and the Latin American Bioeconomy Network, aims to identify and support 100 high-impact agrobioentrepreneurship initiatives across Latin America and Spain.
The competition seeks innovative projects that combine science, technology, and biodiversity to address climate resilience, food security, and sustainable development through the bioeconomy. If your project leverages biological resources for agricultural or environmental impact, this is your chance to gain visibility, funding, and expert support.
What Is the Fontagro LATAM Impact Agrobioentrepreneurship Contest 2025?
The Fontagro LATAM Impact Agrobioentrepreneurship Contest 2025 is designed to discover and accelerate impactful agro-bioinnovations in Latin America and Spain. It will reward the most promising bio-based solutions that are contributing to the green economy and resilience of agri-food systems in the region.
Winners will receive financial vouchers, access to a regional acceleration programme, and global visibility through the first-ever Catalogue of High-Impact Agro‑bioentrepreneurships in LATAM.
Who Can Apply?
This opportunity is open to:
- Agricultural producers and producer organisations
- Private sector companies
- Public institutions, universities, NGOs, and research centres
- Applicants must be based in Latin America or Spain, in countries eligible for Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) funding
Eligible Project Areas
Applicants should focus on innovations within the bioeconomy, especially those with a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4 (validated in the lab). Projects must show clear potential for commercialisation and scalability.
The four priority sectors are:
1. Biomaterials, Bioproducts & Bioenergy
Including bioplastics, biodegradable packaging, biofuels, and compostable materials.
2. Bioproducts for Food, Cosmetics, and Health
Such as nutraceuticals, bioactive extracts, biocosmetics, and natural pharmaceuticals.
3. Bioinputs and Sustainable Agri-tech
Projects like biofertilisers, biopesticides, precision agriculture, and ecological soil remediation.
4. Bioservices and Nature-based Solutions
Including agro-biotourism, bioremediation services, ecosystem restoration, carbon sequestration, and pollinator ecosystem services.
Awards and Benefits
The contest will support selected bioentrepreneurs through:
- Six winning projects: Each awarded up to USD 15,000 in vouchers for incubation or acceleration
- 30 semi-finalists: Will receive customised support in a 2026 regional acceleration programme
- 100 top initiatives: Featured in the Catalogue of High-Impact Agro-bioentrepreneurships in LATAM, a new regional platform for visibility and networking
Important Dates
- Applications open: 15 July 2025
- Deadline to apply: 30 August 2025
- Winners announced: December 2025
- Acceleration programme starts: February 2026
Why You Should Apply
This is more than a funding opportunity. It’s a unique gateway to:
- Join a regional network of like-minded innovators
- Receive tailored support to scale your venture
- Position your innovation at the forefront of the Latin American and Spanish bioeconomy
- Promote green growth, biodiversity, and sustainability in agri-food systems
Whether you are a seasoned innovator or an early-stage startup with a tested prototype, this contest can be a catalyst for your next phase of growth.
How to Apply
To apply for the Fontagro LATAM Impact Agrobioentrepreneurship Contest 2025, prepare your project proposal with clear alignment to the target sectors, TRL criteria, and socio-environmental impact.
👉 Click here to apply
👉 Read more about the programme
Need help preparing your proposal?
Contact grantsdatabase.org for proposal drafting, refining, and review.