Applications open from September 7 to October 2, 2026
Benin’s agricultural transformation depends not only on innovative farming practices and technologies, but also on a strong, innovative and entrepreneurial seed sector. Quality and adapted seeds are essential to improving productivity, strengthening food security and providing better-quality raw materials for agro-processing.
To contribute to the development of this strategic sector, the Seed Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program (PIES), led by the Genetics, Biotechnology and Seed Science Unit (GBioS) of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Abomey-Calavi, is launching the PIES Award 2026.
The program aims to support 50 young multidisciplinary graduates, organized into 10–15 teams of Seed First-Time Entrepreneurs, working across priority value chains including maize, rice, soybean, cassava, yam, groundnut and tomato.
Each selected team will benefit from support valued at 5,000,000 CFA francs, through a comprehensive incubation pathway covering technical training, entrepreneurship development, mentoring and coaching, prototyping and testing, support for business launch, formalization and certification, as well as networking opportunities.
The call is open to graduates from agricultural sciences and other relevant disciplines such as business, marketing and communication, digital technologies and related fields. Applications may be submitted individually or collectively.
Your expertise can become an innovative solution for Benin’s seed industry.
Application period: September 7 – October 2, 2026
Call for entries link: https://gbios-uac.org/appel-a-candidatures-prix-pies_2026/
Learn more: https://gbios-uac.org/pies/
Don’t let your idea remain just a project. Turn it into an entrepreneurial opportunity with PIES Award 2026.
