The Polish Association for Sustainable Agriculture and Food is honorary patron of the V Huawei Startup Challenge edition, spotlighting startups pioneering technologies for agriculture and food production under #TechForAgrinnovation. Poland’s top agritech projects are competing for a PLN 300,000 prize pool.
Semifinalists showcase cutting-edge solutions across the board: AI, data analytics, sensors, and IoT for crop, soil, and raw material monitoring; satellite-driven agronomic decision tools; robotics and digitalization of on-farm processes and supply chains—from harvest and sorting to post-harvest loss mitigation. Others push boundaries in biotech and circular economy innovations like pollination tech, biological crop inputs, hydroponics and aquaponics, plus converting organic waste into fertilizers, feed, and high-value byproducts.
This year’s Challenge proves the agri-food focus was spot-on. We received a record number of applications, but what truly stood out was their sophistication and market readiness. These startups clearly understand the real pressures facing farming and food systems—from climate change and resource efficiency to food security.
– said Ryszard Hordyński, Strategy and Communications Director at Huawei Poland.
The ASAF Digital Agriculture in Poland report shows that 94% of agritech companies view digital tools as a proven way to cut fertilizer, pesticide, and energy use. Yet skills shortages and capex hurdles remain the top roadblocks. Huawei Startup Challenge tackles both head-on with funding and hands-on scaling support.
Only 28% of industry experts have seen farmers meaningfully embrace digital tech in the past five years. The potential is huge—but it needs targeted funding and training to unlock. That’s why we’re proud to back this initiative, helping Polish innovators turn tech into real-world farm solutions.
– said Dr. Olaf Horbańczuk, ASAF Director.
The semifinalists will now face a challenge designed by Huawei, which will determine the 10 finalists advancing to the next stage. Winners will receive PLN 150,000 for first place, PLN 100,000 for second, and PLN 50,000 for third, with the laureates announced during the grand finale gala.
Honorary patrons also include the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mayor of Warsaw, Marshal of Mazovia, Małopolska Region, Agency for Restructuring and Modernisation of Agriculture, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, University of Agriculture in Kraków, plus key business groups: Business Centre Club, Employers of Poland, Polish Entrepreneurs Federation, Polish Chamber of Commerce, Polish Economic Society, National Chamber of Electronics and Telecommunications, and Nationwide Federation of Entrepreneurs and Employers Przedsiębiorcy.pl.