First City Monument Bank has concluded its 2025 AgriTech Hackathon, an initiative created in collaboration with the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank and HeaveVentures to accelerate digital transformation, innovation, and sustainability across Nigeria’s agricultural value chain. The bank said in a statement on Wednesday that the programme is part of its broader effort to strengthen agritech entrepreneurship and expand technology-driven solutions in the food and export sectors.
Speaking during the event, the bank’s agribusiness division emphasised that the hackathon was designed to support emerging innovators by connecting them to funding, mentorship and market opportunities. The goal, according to the organisers, is to help build a modern agricultural sector that is globally competitive and anchored on technology. HeaveVentures also highlighted the importance of collaboration between financial institutions and the tech ecosystem, describing the hackathon as an example of how joint efforts can stimulate new business ideas capable of boosting productivity and food security across the continent.
The competition featured seven startups drawn from different segments of the agricultural ecosystem, each presenting solutions aimed at improving production efficiency, sustainability and market access. After several rounds of pitching and mentorship sessions, Qiqi Farms emerged as the overall winner. Farm Monitor and Tuplant followed in second and third positions, while four other participating startups received consolation grants valued at one million naira each in recognition of their contributions.
The bank noted that the hackathon reinforces its commitment to building a stronger food system by supporting innovation, expanding partnerships, and widening access to sustainable finance. For MSMEs, especially those in agritech and primary production, initiatives like this offer pathways to new technologies, improved market visibility, and stronger investor confidence in the sector.
