Agcelerator Demo-Day unveils innovative agribusiness solutions

The Sri Lanka Agripreneurs’ Forum, in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through its CATALYZE Sri Lanka Private Sector Development (PSD) Activity recently hosted a successful Agcelerator Demo-Day at TRACE Expert City. The event showcased the innovative spirit and entrepreneurial drive of individuals passionate about agriculture and innovation, and 60 leading investors, funding agencies, and companies joined the event to witness these inspiring pitches. The highlight of the Demo-Day was the pitch competition, where 10 finalists presented their business ideas to potential investors and agribusiness enthusiasts. These finalists had undergone extensive training through bootcamps guided by expert mentors in the industry, supported by continuous guidance from the Sri Lanka Agripreneurs’ Forum. The top 10 pitches included innovative ventures that highlight sustainability and community impact in Sri Lanka :

nPepe Ceylon – Specialising in preservative-free spice and herb products in collaboration with local farmers.

• Praana – Promoting agroforestry and eco-tourism through model farms and organic products.
• Sehas Agro – Showcasing sustainable mushroom cultivation and value-added products for international markets.
• Diagri – Presenting a comprehensive e-commerce and consultation platform for agriculture.
• Suwasetha – Developing moringa-based health products with plans to open a Moringa Cafe.
• The Kiosk – A student-led initiative from the University of Peradeniya, providing practical experience and serving health-conscious treats.
• Herbal for Hemorrhoids – Offering a quick recovery herbal treatment.
• Saviru Spices – Exporting premium Ceylon spices and teas, ensuring quality preservation.
• Freshplus – Connecting farmers directly to consumers, reducing costs and increasing income.

USAID/Sri Lanka and Maldives Deputy Director – Office of Economic Growth Dennis Wesner awarded the top three winners at the conclusion of the competition: 2nd Runner Up was awarded to Pepe Ceylon, represented by Gayan Sanjeewa and Thilini Weerasooriya; 1st Runner Up was awarded to The Kiosk, a student-led initiative from the University of Peradeniya; and the Winner was Sehas Agro, led by Nadeeshani Jayathilaka, focusing on mushroom-based products. These winners demonstrated exceptional potential and creativity in their agribusiness ventures, showcasing the transformative power of innovation in agriculture. They will receive personalised mentorship from the SLAF expert mentor pool and connect with funding opportunities to further develop their ventures. The event also featured a panel discussion on “Innovation in Sri Lankan Agriculture and the Way Forward,” led by Sri Lanka Agripreneurs’ Forum Chairperson Rizvi Zaheed, USAID Catalyze PSD Project Lead Juan Forero, Nidro Supply Ltd. Managing Director Dawn Austin, and TRACE Sri Lanka Executive Director Heminda Jayaweera. The Agcelerator Demo-Day provided a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and also highlighted the collaborative efforts needed to drive agricultural innovation in Sri Lanka. Supporting and nurturing the next generation of agribusiness leaders is crucial for creating sustainable and impactful solutions. The next cohort of the Agcelerator program will commence at the end of 2024.