Taawon (Welfare Association), in collaboration with the Business and Technology Incubator (BCITE) at Al-Quds University, has concluded the first phase of AgriLeap Agricultural Innovation, implemented under the Innovation and Climate-Smart Agriculture activity of the Water, Land and Agricultural Roads Investment Program (WLRI), with support from the Netherlands Representative Office in Palestine. Six ideas were selected to advance to the incubation phase, where they will continue to be developed into practical and sustainable agricultural solutions.
The first phase brought together participants and idea owners with researchers and experts from Al-Quds University and across a range of disciplines and sectors, including agriculture, technology, business, chemistry, entrepreneurship, economics, and development. This diversity brought together scientific and technical knowledge with an understanding of the needs of the agricultural sector, farmers, and local communities.
Over four intensive days, 12 participants took part in a hands-on process to develop ideas responding to challenges related to agriculture and the green economy. The journey began with identifying and analysing challenges, followed by solution development, business modelling, and feasibility testing, leading to the development of initial prototypes.
The first phase concluded with Idea Pitching Day, where participants presented their ideas before a six-member judging panel. Following a full day of presentations and evaluation, six ideas were selected to advance to the second phase of the program.
The selected ideas span a range of sustainable agriculture and green economy solutions, including innovative pesticides and organic solutions; recycling agricultural waste into products with economic value; developing innovative crops and agricultural products; biotechnology and technology-based solutions; extending product shelf life and improving market access; and applications and platforms that support access, sustainability, and economic opportunities within local communities.
From Ideas to Incubation
Advancing to the incubation phase marks the next step in developing the selected ideas. Participants will continue refining their solutions and prototypes while developing business models with greater potential for sustainability and growth.
The incubation phase will also provide participants with access to Al-Quds University’s laboratories and expertise, as well as connections with entrepreneurs, sector experts, and investors. Participants will also work with design and product development experts to further test and refine their prototypes, improve product experience, and align their solutions with the needs of users and the market.
By bringing together agriculture, science, technology, design, and entrepreneurship, the program focuses on moving ideas from their initial stages towards practical solutions that can be tested and further developed, strengthening participants’ capacity to respond to the evolving challenges facing the agricultural sector.
AgriLeap reflects Taawon’s approach to investing in Palestinian capabilities and potential, supporting innovation and agricultural livelihoods as part of strengthening resilient and adaptive communities, while advancing locally grounded solutions that draw on knowledge and respond to the long-term needs of the agricultural sector.
