FCMB AgriTech Hackathon Fuels Innovation in Nigerian Agriculture
First City Monument Bank (FCMB) recently concluded its 2025 AgriTech hackathon, a collaborative effort with the Dutch Entrepreneurial Progress Bank and HeaveVentures, to foster innovation and digital transformation within Nigeria’s agricultural sector. The event brought together promising startups focused on tackling key challenges in the Nigerian food and farming industry.
Seven startups were selected to participate, showcasing solutions with the potential to improve food production, strengthen agricultural value chains, and boost overall industry performance.After rigorous pitching, demonstrations, and mentorship from industry experts, Qiqi Farms emerged as the overall winner, recognized for its innovative approach to farmer productivity and market access. Farm Monitor took second place, and Tuplant secured third with its crop efficiency and farmer support solution.
All participating teams – including Llyon Farms,AgriX,Freshfare,and PalmShops – received N1 million in consolation grants from FCMB to support continued development and market readiness.
Kudzai Gumunyu, Divisional Head of Agribusiness and Non-Oil Exports at FCMB, emphasized the bank’s dedication to supporting young innovators shaping the future of agriculture. He highlighted the hackathon as a vital platform providing startups with funding, mentorship, and market access. FCMB believes digital innovation is crucial for Nigeria’s agricultural competitiveness on a global scale.
Abiodun Lawal, CEO of HeaveVentures, praised the power of partnerships between financial institutions and the tech community, and commended the startups’ creativity and resilience. He noted their solutions demonstrate technology’s potential to enhance productivity,sustainability,and food security across Africa.
FCMB reaffirmed its commitment to food security,agricultural exports,and Nigeria’s digital economy,promising continued collaboration and investment in enduring finance and agricultural innovation. Stakeholders anticipate the hackathon will inspire further development of scalable solutions to increase yields, reduce losses, and attract investment into the Nigerian agricultural value chain.
