SS News Desk
Dhaka, 17 October 2025:
In a major breakthrough for Bangladesh’s rural innovation scene, two local startups — Krishi Shwapno and Agronochain — have been selected for the global Innovatech 2.0 programme, marking the initiative’s first expansion into Asia.
Jointly launched by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and German Sparkassenstiftung for International Cooperation (DSIK), the programme will support 16 startups across six countries, including Bangladesh, to provide digital solutions for over 17,000 small-scale farming households.
The startups will each receive US$90,000 in equity-free grants, along with expert mentorship and technical support. Their mission will be to help small farmers boost productivity and withstand increasing climate challenges like floods and droughts.
“Innovatech 2.0 brings technology to bridge the digital divide in rural areas while enhancing the competitiveness of small-scale farmers,” said Rocío Medina Bolívar, IFAD’s Regional Director.
From agriculture technology (Agtech) to fintech, e-commerce, and edtech, the selected startups are deploying tools for crop optimization, better market access, rural education, and financial inclusion. In Bangladesh, Krishi Shwapno and Agronochain will help local farmers digitalize their operations and adopt sustainable agroecological practices.
“Innovatech confirms our model works globally,” said programme director Christina Olsen, adding that the biggest challenge now is to build sustainable business models for rural innovation.
The initiative, which previously impacted 21,000 households in Latin America and the Caribbean, aims to accelerate green growth, empower youth and women, and attract public–private partnerships. For Bangladesh, this is a timely boost in digital agriculture as the nation grapples with the twin pressures of climate change and rural poverty.
Source: IFAD
