Program to Innovate in Sri Lanka’s Food and Agriculture Sector

The Scale Up Shop is a six weeks workshop to upskill selected food and agri innovators. It will culminate in a demo day  where the food and agri innovators get to pitch the agri and food innovation ecosystem. Implemented as part of the ‘Support to Small and Medium Enterprises in the Organic Agriculture Sector’ Programme, jointly co-financed by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Scale Up Shop program is a collaboration between GIZ, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Dilmah Tea, and the National Innovation Agency (NIA). It is our that through similar programmes that the vision of our Founder Merrill J Fernando to empower visionary agripreneurs such as himself  to create global brands like Dilmah.

Discussion panel at the launch of The Scale Up Shop

Why The Scale Up Shop?

Sri Lanka’s food and agriculture industry needs innovative solutions that go beyond focusing solely on individual ingredients. To enhance the value chain and promote growth in the export market, it is crucial to transform talented local innovators’ ideas into scalable commercial products. This collaborative initiative aims to ignite innovation in Sri Lanka’s manufacturing and export sector by connecting local innovators with manufacturers seeking to expand their product portfolios and venture into international markets. The program fosters collaboration, builds partnerships, and expands Sri Lanka’s global footprint.

What will it achieve?

The primary objective of the Scale Up Shop program is to empower innovators by equipping them with the necessary skills and support to attract potential investors and propel their ventures to new heights. Through targeted training, mentorship, and networking opportunities, innovators will gain the knowledge and connections needed to showcase their products and secure vital funding for their intellectual property at the Demo Day—an essential milestone for future success in the market.

After calling for applications from interested parties and through a rigorous screening process, the expert panel comprising of food and agri industry veterans were able to select 10 inventive agripreneurs.  Applications underwent a comprehensive evaluation process, considering multiple criteria such as the uniqueness of the concept, its market viability, feasibility, scalability, and the potential influence it may have on the food and agriculture sector.

 

What’s next?
The Demo Day of The Scale Up Shop will take place on Sep 21, 2023. Here the 10 selected innovators will have the opportunity to showcase their exceptional products, captivate the audience, and secure vital funding for their intellectual property. It’s a pivotal moment that sets the stage for their future success in the market.

Orientation Day for shortlisted Innovators

The Scale Up Shop program will offer sustained assistance to innovators well beyond its completion. The goal is to foster a lasting ecosystem by linking innovators with prospective investors, industry experts, and additional resources, all in order to facilitate their ongoing expansion and achievements.
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