Telenor Velocity is now accepting applications for a thematic Agri-Tech Programme for startups

Telenor Velocity, the tech and digital startup accelerator programme by Telenor Pakistan, is introducing a dedicated programme for startups to digitize agri processes, enhance communication and capture data of farmers.

With this programme, Telenor would enable the upcoming start-ups to scale their services in the agricultural domain and employ Telenor Pakistan’s platform and its digital assets to enhance their operability and ability to monetize. This is the first time Velocity is introducing a thematic programme to laser focus on the most innovative areas for startups.

Tapping agriculture, a sector full of opportunities

Named ‘Agri-Tech Cohort’, the first-of-the-series, the programme will work on and develop startups which are specifically using digital technologies to empower the agriculture sector of Pakistan.

Agriculture is the largest sector of Pakistan’s economy with a majority of the population being directly or indirectly dependent on this sector. It contributes over 10% to Pakistan’s GDP with over 40% of the labor force involved and with such scale of involvement, this sector has a huge opportunity for increased contribution towards the national economic progress.

Realizing the potential that could be reaped by accelerating startups from this sector, Telenor has initiated this specific programme through which the startups would be provided necessary tools to grow so that they are able to contribute to the natural evolution of the ecosystem and empower the farmers. There are more than 6 million smallholder farmers across Punjab, Sindh, and Gilgit, Baltistan, a customer base which offers huge monetization opportunity for participating startups.

The Programme

The 4-month programme will offer startups to scale their innovative solutions on Telenor digital assets, and an opportunity to partner with Pakistan’s biggest Agri digital audio platform. Startups will be able to test and roll-out their offerings to a subscriber base of 6 million farmers, access farmer wise crop information, area mapping using precise locations, rural female audience and 11 million plus the base of customers using Telenor Digital Apps and IVR platform.

It is noteworthy to mention that no equity will be taken from startups. This is an open innovation initiative by Telenor Pakistan to promote and develop the agriculture ecosystem by co-creating innovative offerings with startups for farmers. Agriculture is an integral part of Pakistan’s DNA contributing to economic growth and to be a knowledge-based economy, it is crucial to digitalize the value chain that contributes most towards our economic growth.

How to apply:

Telenor Velocity has started accepting applications for this new programme. The interested startup founders and entrepreneurs can apply for this programme through the website of Telenor Velocity. The last date to apply is March 24th.

The story has been produced in collaboration with the sponsor Telenor and doesn’t necessarily reflect the views of TechJuice editorial staff.