Introduction

The AYuTE Rwanda Challenge 2026 is an initiative by Heifer International that supports youth-led agritech innovations addressing key challenges faced by smallholder farmers in Rwanda. Through funding, mentorship, and coaching, the Challenge promotes scalable solutions that improve productivity, increase incomes, strengthen resilience, enhance food security, advance economic inclusion, and create meaningful employment opportunities—particularly for youth—across the agricultural value chain. Following the success of the previous edition—where winning enterprises shared a total of 50 million Rwandan francs to scale their businesses—the 2026 Challenge raises the bar with a cash prize envelope of 65 million Rwandan francs, increased from 50 million francs, creating even greater opportunities for innovators to grow and scale their solutions.

Please complete all sections clearly and honestly.

Only eligible applications will proceed to the next level of screening and evaluation.
SECTION 1: APPLICANT PERSONAL DETAILS

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* 1. Full Name

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* 2. Phone Number

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* 4. Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY)

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* 5. Gender

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* 6. Highest Education Level Completed

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* 7. Your Role in the Business

Age Eligibility (Youth Requirement)

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* 8. Is at least one founder or co-founder of the applying business aged 18–35 years at the time of application?

(Proof may be requested if shortlisted.)
Business Registration

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* 9. Is your business registered with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB)?

(Only RDB-registered businesses are eligible.)

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* 10. Business / Project Name

Location of Operations

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* 11. Province

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* 12. District

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* 13. Sector

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* 14. How long has your business been operating?

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