Following the triumph of its 2024 Innovation Challenge centered around rice, Grow Asia is setting its sights on a new frontier with the launch of its 2025 Challenge in the Philippines. This initiative is poised to catalyze the growth of climate-smart agri-tech solutions, providing a robust launch pad for innovators by connecting them with mentors and partners who can expedite their market entry and contribute to the region’s agricultural transformation.
The 2025 Challenge is open to innovators with market-ready digital solutions that tackle at least one of the identified challenge statements. These statements are designed to support smallholder producers of coconut, cacao, and coffee in Southeast Asia, with a particular focus on the Philippines. The challenge aims to address the digital literacy gap that plagues rural farming communities in the Philippines, where weak connectivity and inadequate infrastructure often hinder technology adoption.
According to the “2019 National ICT Household Survey,” digital literacy in the Philippines remains relatively low, with only two out of five Filipinos possessing at least one of the six basic ICT skills monitored for sustainable development goals. To bridge this gap, government agencies such as the Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Training Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Trade and Industry, and the Department of Information and Communications Technology are rolling out digital literacy programs and technology initiatives nationwide. The Grow Asia Innovation Challenge aligns with these national efforts, serving as a platform to identify and scale farmer-friendly digital solutions that enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.
The challenge will concentrate on three key areas: traceability and logistics tools to improve certification and sustainability compliance, digital advisory solutions to expand access to climate-smart farm insights, and technology adoption strategies that enhance digital literacy and usability for smallholder farmers. “Innovation and digital solutions play a crucial role in transforming agriculture in Southeast Asia,” said Chrissa Marey Borja, head of Programs at Grow Asia. “Through the Grow Asia Innovation Challenge, we are not only identifying groundbreaking technologies but also building the necessary support systems to ensure their successful adoption among smallholder farmers.”
This year, the Grow Asia Innovation Challenge 2025 will be supported by the Grow Asia’s country chapter in the Philippines, the Philippines Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture (PPSA). Angel Bautista, country director of PPSA, emphasized the unique opportunity the challenge presents to support local agribusinesses in harnessing digital solutions that drive sustainable growth for smallholder farmers. Agriculture is a vital sector in the Philippine economy, contributing approximately an eighth of the national GDP. PPSA recognizes the need to focus on coconut, cacao, and coffee, addressing key sectors with high economic potential while ensuring that farmers benefit from cutting-edge technologies that improve livelihoods and resilience.
Additionally, Villgro Philippines joins GAIC 2025 as a key program partner, bringing its expertise as an incubator that funds, mentors, and nurtures enterprises tackling critical social and climate issues. Priya Thachadi, co-founder and CEO of Villgro Philippines, highlighted the importance of innovation in solving agriculture’s most pressing challenges. Through their partnership with Grow Asia, Villgro Philippines aims to empower startups developing sustainable solutions while creating tangible economic opportunities for smallholder farmers, especially women in agriculture.
Finalists of the challenge will receive direct mentorship from industry leaders, strategic advisory sessions, and exposure through Grow Asia and PPSA’s networks. Grow Asia and PPSA invite partners—including agribusinesses, technology providers, development organizations, and investors—to collaborate on this initiative in scaling innovative AgTech solutions for smallholder farmers. For more information on the Grow Asia Innovation Challenge 2025, visit https://www.growasia.org/innovation-challenge-2025.
