The CAPSHA South-South Collaboration Innovation Pitch Challenge 2026 is an innovation funding opportunity designed to support creative, demand-driven partnerships that strengthen agricultural research, extension, education, and innovation systems across Africa, Asia, and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

The challenge is organized under the CGIAR Capacity Sharing (CapSha) Accelerator, which promotes a new model of collaboration focused on equitable partnerships, shared knowledge creation, mutual learning, and long-term institutional transformation.

Unlike traditional capacity-building approaches where knowledge is viewed as something transferred from one organization to another, the CapSha Accelerator recognizes that sustainable innovation emerges when institutions collaborate as equal partners. Through this challenge, participants are invited to submit innovative ideas that can improve capacity-sharing approaches between CGIAR and National Agricultural Research Extension and Education Systems (NAREES).

Selected winners will receive grants of up to USD 15,000 to implement their proposed initiatives and contribute to stronger, more resilient, and inclusive food, land, and water systems.

Opportunity Category

Category: Grant / Innovation Challenge

The CAPSHA South-South Collaboration Innovation Pitch Challenge provides financial support through competitive grants awarded to selected innovative partnership proposals.

About the CAPSHA Accelerator

National Agricultural Research Extension and Education Systems (NAREES) play a critical role in advancing sustainable agricultural development, food security, climate resilience, and rural livelihoods.

However, today’s global challenges require more than traditional knowledge-sharing methods. Increasing pressures from:

• Climate change
• Food insecurity
• Natural resource challenges
• Nutrition concerns
• Changing rural livelihoods
• The need for sustainable agricultural systems

require new approaches that encourage collaboration, innovation, and shared ownership.

The CGIAR Capacity Sharing (CapSha) Accelerator promotes a partnership-based approach where CGIAR organizations and NAREES institutions work together to:

• Generate knowledge collaboratively.
• Exchange expertise and experiences.
• Adapt innovative solutions to local contexts.
• Strengthen institutional capacity.
• Build long-term networks for continuous learning.

The Innovation Pitch Challenge seeks ideas that demonstrate how collaborative capacity-sharing models can transform agricultural research and innovation systems.

Goal of the CAPSHA Innovation Pitch Challenge

The overall goal of the challenge is to identify and support innovative, demand-driven capacity-sharing partnerships that strengthen national research and innovation systems while contributing to CGIAR’s long-term impact agenda.

The initiative aims to encourage partnerships that create practical solutions for strengthening agricultural systems and improving collaboration between institutions across different regions.

Specific Objectives of the Challenge

The CAPSHA South-South Collaboration Innovation Pitch Challenge aims to:

1. Strengthen CGIAR and NAREES Collaboration

The challenge seeks to improve engagement between CGIAR institutions and National Agricultural Research Extension and Education Systems by creating stronger partnerships based on shared priorities.

2. Identify Innovative and Scalable Opportunities

The programme aims to discover ideas that have potential for:

• Short-term implementation.
• Medium-term expansion.
• Long-term investment and sustainability.

3. Promote Equitable Partnerships

The challenge encourages co-creation between CGIAR and NAREES institutions, ensuring that all partners contribute knowledge, expertise, and solutions.

4. Advance South-South and North-South Knowledge Exchange

The programme supports collaboration between institutions across:

• Africa.
• Asia.
• Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Northern and Southern research institutions.

This promotes mutual learning and strengthens global agricultural innovation networks.

5. Develop Scalable Models for Agricultural Capacity Strengthening

Selected ideas should contribute to stronger:

• Agricultural research systems.
• Extension services.
• Education programmes.
• Implementation capacities.

6. Build Sustainable Learning Networks

The challenge aims to encourage Communities of Practice and long-term networks that continue knowledge exchange beyond individual projects.

Funding Award

The total available award budget for the challenge is:

USD 45,000

Three grants will be awarded:

• Africa Region: USD 15,000 grant.
• Asia Region: USD 15,000 grant.
• Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) Region: USD 15,000 grant.

The highest-ranked candidate from each region will receive funding to implement their proposed innovation project.

Eligible Project Ideas

Applicants are encouraged to submit innovative concepts that demonstrate practical approaches to improving capacity sharing and agricultural innovation systems.

Successful proposals should focus on ideas that:

• Address real challenges within agricultural research and innovation systems.
• Promote collaboration between institutions.
• Encourage knowledge exchange and mutual learning.
• Have potential for scaling and replication.
• Strengthen food, land, and water systems.
• Support sustainable development outcomes.

Partnership Approach

The challenge emphasizes collaboration rather than individual institutional efforts.

Projects may involve partnerships between:

• CGIAR Centers.
• Universities in the Global North and Global South.
• Government agencies.
• Farmer producer organizations.
• Private sector organizations.
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
• Development partners.
• Regional organizations.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible Applicants

Applications must be led by a National Agricultural Research Extension and Education Systems (NAREES) institution from one of the following regions:

• Africa.
• Asia.
• Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

The lead applicant institution may collaborate with additional partners, including research organizations, universities, government institutions, private sector actors, and development organizations.

APPLY HERE

Eligible Regions and Countries

The opportunity is open to eligible institutions located in:

• African countries.
• Asian countries.
• Latin American and Caribbean countries.

The provided information does not specify individual eligible countries; applicants should confirm eligibility according to their regional NAREES institution status.

Eligible Participants

The challenge is suitable for:

• Agricultural research institutions.
• National extension systems.
• Agricultural education institutions.
• Research and innovation organizations.
• Universities.
• Government agencies involved in agriculture.
• Development organizations working on food systems.
• Partner organizations collaborating with eligible NAREES institutions.

Important Eligibility Requirement

The application must be led by a NAREES institution. Other organizations may participate as partners but cannot replace the required lead applicant.

Award Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

• Funding of up to USD 15,000 for selected regional winners.
• Support to implement innovative agricultural capacity-sharing initiatives.
• Opportunities to strengthen international partnerships.
• Increased visibility within agricultural research and innovation networks.
• Opportunities to contribute to sustainable food systems transformation.

Application Timeline

Application Period

Applications are open from:

24 July 2026 to 7 August 2026

Deadline: 7 August 2026 at 23:59 Indian Standard Time (IST)

Applicants must submit their proposals before the deadline. Late submissions may not be considered.

Selection Timeline

• 24 July 2026: Application period opens.
• 7 August 2026: Application deadline.
• 13 August 2026: Selected candidates for the pitch side event will be contacted.

Pitch Challenge Selection Process

Submitted proposals will be evaluated based on their alignment with the objectives of the challenge and their ability to demonstrate innovative approaches to capacity sharing.

The challenge focuses on identifying proposals that:

• Present practical and achievable solutions.
• Strengthen institutional partnerships.
• Demonstrate innovation.
• Support sustainable agricultural development.
• Create long-term value beyond the project period.

How to Apply

Applicants should prepare and submit innovative proposals according to the challenge requirements.

Interested institutions should ensure that:

1. The proposal is led by an eligible NAREES institution.
2. The idea demonstrates strong collaboration potential.
3. The project addresses capacity-sharing challenges.
4. The proposal clearly explains expected outcomes and sustainability.

Applicants should follow the official submission process provided by the CAPSHA Accelerator.

Visit HERE to learn more about the CAPSHA South-South Collaboration Innovation Pitch Challenge 2026

Why Participate in the CAPSHA Innovation Pitch Challenge?

The challenge provides an opportunity for agricultural institutions and partners to move beyond traditional capacity-building approaches and develop new models of collaboration.

Through participation, organizations can:

• Strengthen agricultural innovation systems.
• Build international partnerships.
• Develop scalable solutions.
• Improve knowledge exchange.
• Support climate-resilient food systems.
• Contribute to sustainable rural development.

The challenge recognizes that solving complex agricultural challenges requires cooperation between institutions, communities, researchers, and policymakers.

Conclusion

The CAPSHA South-South Collaboration Innovation Pitch Challenge 2026 represents an important opportunity for agricultural research institutions and partners across Africa, Asia, and Latin America and the Caribbean to develop innovative solutions for strengthening capacity sharing and collaboration.

With grants of up to USD 15,000, the challenge supports initiatives that promote equitable partnerships, knowledge exchange, and sustainable transformation of agricultural research and innovation systems.

Eligible NAREES institutions and their partners are encouraged to submit innovative ideas that can contribute to stronger food systems, improved resilience, and long-term global collaboration before the 7 August 2026 deadline.

For more global grants, scholarships, fellowships, internships, jobs, conferences, competitions, and other career opportunities for young people, visit the Opportunities for Youth (OFY) website at www.opportunitiesforyouth.org