MENA Regenerative Agriculture Programme Offers $20,000 Grants – Apply Now

Researchers, scientists, students and innovators worldwide are invited to apply for the 2026–2027 MENA Regenerative Agriculture Venture Programme.

This is an initiative designed to transform research-based agricultural innovations into practical solutions for sustainable farming and resilient food systems.

Organised by Goumbook through its MENA Regenerative Agriculture Initiative, the programme supports the development of innovative, science-based and nature-based solutions to address agricultural challenges across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Applications are open globally, with the deadline set for November 15, 2026. The programme also offers three US$20,000 grants for its top finalists, alongside mentorship, business development training and potential incubation opportunities.

About the MENA Regenerative Agriculture Venture Programme

The programme aims to equip researchers and early-stage innovators with the technical knowledge and entrepreneurial skills needed to move promising agricultural research from the development stage towards practical application and commercial viability.

For the 2026–2027 cohort, the initiative is seeking solutions that can help address critical agricultural and environmental challenges, particularly in regions affected by water scarcity, soil degradation, desertification and climate change.

The programme is implemented by Goumbook in partnership with HSBC and supported by the United Nations Climate Change High-Level Champions.

Focus Areas

Applicants are encouraged to present research, technologies and nature-based innovations addressing one or more of the following areas:

• Food and water security: Solutions that improve access to food and water while supporting sustainable agricultural production.
• Soil health and regeneration: Innovations that restore degraded soils, improve soil fertility and combat desertification.
• Climate change adaptation and mitigation: Approaches that help agricultural systems withstand climate-related challenges.
• Carbon farming and sequestration: Practices that support carbon storage and reduce agriculture-related emissions.
• Biodiversity conservation: Solutions that protect ecosystems and strengthen biodiversity within agricultural landscapes.
• Salinity management: Innovations that address soil and water salinity and improve agricultural productivity.
• Farmer livelihoods: Initiatives that strengthen rural communities, improve farmers’ welfare and support sustainable livelihoods.

Both technological and process-based innovations are eligible, provided they are grounded in research, science or nature-based approaches and are relevant to agricultural conditions in the MENA region.

Benefits of the Programme

Successful participants will gain access to a range of resources intended to help them refine their innovations, develop viable business models and prepare their solutions for wider adoption.

Key benefits include:

Expert mentorship and training: Participants can access specialist guidance, expert-led sessions and workshops covering regenerative agriculture, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Venture development: The programme helps participants strengthen their concepts and work towards turning research into viable business solutions.

Potential funding and incubation: Participants may gain access to funding opportunities and incubation support to help advance their innovations.

Networking and exposure: The initiative provides opportunities to connect with experts, fellow innovators and relevant stakeholders across the regional agricultural ecosystem.

Learning resources: Participants can access online courses, expert talks and a digital community platform to strengthen their knowledge and professional networks.

Grant opportunities: The top three finalists will each receive a US$20,000 grant, subject to the programme’s selection process. Grants are competitive and are not guaranteed to every participant.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to researchers, scientists, students, innovators and early-stage entrepreneurs from around the world who are developing solutions for regenerative agriculture.

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Have a research-based, scientific or nature-based solution related to regenerative agriculture.
• Be working on a process-driven or technology-based innovation that supports sustainable and climate-resilient farming.
• Demonstrate how the proposed solution could address agricultural challenges in the MENA region.
• Show potential to develop the innovation towards proof of concept, practical implementation or commercial viability.
• Be willing to strengthen their entrepreneurial and business development capabilities.

Although applications are accepted internationally, the proposed innovation must address agricultural challenges or opportunities relevant to the Middle East and North Africa.

Applications from Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Sudan, Libya, Yemen and Syria are currently excluded, according to the published eligibility information. Prospective applicants should consult the official application guidelines for the complete requirements. <Cite refs={[“turn729845search7″,”turn729845search4”]}/>

How to Apply

Interested applicants can submit their applications through the programme’s official online application portal. Applicants should clearly explain their proposed innovation, the agricultural challenge it addresses, its scientific or research foundation, and its potential impact on regenerative agriculture in the MENA region.

Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their solutions could improve food and water security, restore soil health, strengthen climate resilience or support farmers’ livelihoods.

Application deadline: November 15, 2026.

Apply here: MENA Regenerative Agriculture Venture Programme Application Portal.

Key Details

• Programme: MENA Regenerative Agriculture Venture Programme 2026–2027
• Organiser: Goumbook
• Target applicants: Researchers, scientists, students, innovators and early-stage entrepreneurs
• Geographic eligibility: Worldwide, subject to the programme’s country restrictions
• Focus: Regenerative agriculture, sustainable farming and climate-resilient food systems
• Funding: Three finalists will receive US$20,000 each
• Other benefits: Mentorship, training, networking, business development and potential incubation
• Deadline: November 15, 2026

The programme presents an opportunity for researchers and innovators, including eligible applicants from Nigeria and other African countries, to develop agricultural solutions with the potential to address food security, water scarcity and climate-related challenges across the MENA region. Applicants should ensure their proposed innovations are relevant to the region’s agricultural needs before applying.