AI Challenge: AgriTech

Presented by Global Affairs Canada and international agrifood system partners

About the Challenge

Canadian AI service and product providers are invited to participate in the AI Challenge for the AgriTech sector, a key feature of the ALL IN 2025 event—the largest AI event in Canada. This reverse pitch challenge seeks to surface innovative AI tools and solutions that directly address concrete needs in the agricultural industry. Presented by leading international organizations in the agriculture sector, This challenge aims to identify AI solutions and innovations that can optimize crop management and logistics to support the transformation of the global agrifood system, with potential applications in microbiome and soil management, recognizing the huge global opportunity for strengthening the performance of agrifood systems in terms of productivity, sustainability, resilience, and One Health, the global initiative led by FAO, WHO, UNEP and WAHO.

These solutions can be of benefit for producers and consumers around the world, from North America to the Global South, and across scales from large agrifood companies to smallholder farmers.

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Why Participate in This AI Challenge

As part of this call for applications, six companies will be selected to pitch their solutions live on stage at ALL IN 2025. Selected companies will benefit from:

- Two speaker passes for the two-day event

- The opportunity to pitch on one of the main stages at the heart of ALL IN 2025

- Visibility before a jury made up of global experts from key international organizations, industry experts, researchers, and members from the Global Affairs Canada and Scale AI teams

- The chance to be selected as one of two Grand Winners of the AI Challenge for AgriTech as part of ALL IN 2025

- The opportunity to win 2 tickets to attend the World Food Forum in Rome in October 2025, to share the pitch at the AgriFood Pitch Battle as part of the Forum, as well as joining other international AI for Agriculture initiatives, if relevant 

- The chance to win one access to attend the EIT Food Next Bite in Brussels, October 15–16, 2025

- The opportunity to win a bank of mentorship hours with a committee of professionals and AgriTech experts (terms to be confirmed by Global Affairs)

- Enhanced visibility through promotional communications by Scale AI and ALL IN, during and after the event

Steps of the AI Challenge for AgriTech

    Submission of Proposals

    Until September 12, 2025
    Canadian AI service and product providers must submit a detailed proposal through this link, including a 2-minute pitch video.

  • Evaluation of Proposals

    September 12 to 16, 2025
    A panel of experts will review and evaluate all submissions.

  • Coordination

    September 16 to 23, 2025
    All applicants will be contacted regarding their selection status and selected companies will benefit from the support of the ALL IN team to prepare for their pitch. 

  • On-Stage Pitch

    September 24-25, 2025
    The six selected companies will present their solutions on stage during ALL IN 2025.

Objectives and Requirements

1. Provide AI solutions or services to help with crop or soil management or other AgriTech related issues, ideally with the potential for global reach 

2. Clearly define the problem being addressed

3. Describe the proposed AI solution and services

4. Specify expected impacts, both qualitative (e.g. improved user experience) and quantitative (e.g. 20% cost reduction, yield improvements, etc.)

5. Highlight what makes the proposed solution the most relevant for the AgriTech sector 

6. Anticipate possible risks and unintended consequences, and how these could be mitigated

Selection Criteria

AI Solution Criteria

  • Accuracy and performance of the AI solution for driving increases in soil and crop health, and productivity
  • Existence or feasibility of the AI solution(s) within the timeline
  • Ease of integration and deployment in different geographic and socio-economic contexts
  • Operational efficiency
  • Scalability and long-term maintainability
  • Compliance with security and privacy standards

Business Criteria

  • Expected return on investment (ROI), including from potential cost savings
  • Cost structure
  • Competitive advantage(s)
  • Ease of implementation and user adoption
  • Broader ecosystem impact

Other Criteria

  • Availability to pitch in person at ALL IN 2025 on September 24 and 25, 2025, in Montreal, Canada
  • Experience and references of the team and company
  • Concise and persuasive pitch aligned with the challenge’s goals
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About the Challenge Partners

About the Gates Foundation 

Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, we work with partners to create impactful solutions so that people can take charge of their futures and achieve their full potential. In the United States, we aim to ensure that everyone—especially those with the fewest resources—has access to the opportunities needed to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, Washington, the foundation is led by CEO Mark Suzman, under the direction of Bill Gates and our governing board. Learn more at gatesfoundation.org.

About Protein Industries Canada

Protein Industries Canada, one of Canada’s five Global Innovation Clusters, accelerates innovation in plant-based protein. Working with trailblazing companies, Protein Industries Canada provides a structure that lessens risk and allows for bold initiatives to create a more competitive, more sustainable Canadian agrifood sector that leads the world in the production of plant-based products. By facilitating industry partnerships and opening doors to investment opportunities, Protein Industries Canada is working to embrace the $25 billion opportunity presented by Canada’s ingredient manufacturing, food processing and bio-product sector. From its inception in 2018 to March 2023, Protein Industries Canada co-invested in 55 projects worth $477 million with organizations across Canada’s agrifood sector to create solutions to a global food challenge. Projects in collaboration with the Canadian ecosystem add value to and create new markets for Canadian crops, which generate local jobs and support new economic development in locations across Canada. Learn more at proteincanada.ca.

About Global Affairs Canada

Global Affairs Canada helps define, shape and advance Canada’s interests and values in a complex global environment. We manage diplomatic relations, promote international trade and provide consular support. We lead international development, humanitarian, and peace and security assistance efforts. We also contribute to national security and the development of international law. Learn more at international.canada.ca/en/global-affairs.

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