Lagos Unveils Agrithon 2025 with ₦150 Million Grant for Youth-Led Agritech Startups

The Lagos State Government has launched Agrithon 2025, a strategic initiative designed to drive innovation, sustainability, and youth participation in the agriculture and food systems sector. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, the programme offers a ₦150 million grant pool to support at least 35 promising agrifood startups across the state.

At a press briefing held on Monday, June 2, 2025, at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Alausa, Commissioner Abisola Olusanya described the programme as a platform for bold, youth-driven solutions to the state’s food security challenges.

“Lagos Agrithon is more than a contest. It is a movement—a platform for bold ideas, youth-led innovation, and scalable solutions that tackle today’s food challenges and prepare for the future,” she said.

With applications open from June 2 to June 27, 2025, Agrithon comes at a critical time. Lagos, the largest food consumer in Nigeria, produces less than 30% of what it consumes. With the population projected to surpass 30 million by 2035, the state faces mounting pressure to secure its food systems.

The initiative targets high-impact innovations in areas such as urban and vertical farming (hydroponics, aquaponics, rooftop gardens), aquaculture and fisheries, agro-processing and value addition, post-harvest storage and logistics, and horticulture. It also promotes agritourism, climate-smart agriculture, agri-fintech, precision farming, and digital innovations to improve market access and food affordability.

To qualify, applicants must be youths aged 18 to 40, leading startups that are 0–5 years old, based in or having measurable impact in Lagos State. Ventures must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and enrolled with the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASSRA). Submissions must include an online application and a detailed pitch deck outlining the problem, solution, and projected impact.

Beyond funding, Agrithon 2025 offers access to mentorship, virtual and physical pitch sessions, and a grand finale showcase featuring investors, policymakers, and industry leaders.

“This is a strategic response to a real and growing challenge,” Olusanya stated. “It is an investment in the minds and hands that will feed our future.” She also emphasized that previous winners are not eligible for this year’s edition.

Feyisayo Alayanda, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), urged the youth to seize the opportunity to contribute to the transformation of Lagos' agricultural economy.

The launch was attended by Mr. Emmanuel Audu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, directors from the ministry, representatives from LSETF, private sector partners, and a wide range of young agripreneurs.

Applications and further details are available on the Lagos Agrinnovation and Ministry of Agriculture websites.