Great Rift Valley
Innovation Summit 2025
- Make Your Mark
- Make Your Mark
- Make Your Mark
- Make Your Mark
- Make Your Mark
- Make Your Mark
- Make Your Mark
- Make Your Mark
- Make Your Mark
- Make Your Mark
Hurry up! Reserve your Spot
About this Summit
The Great Rift Valley Innovation Summit is a first of its kind event presented by the Ethiopian Diaspora Trust Fund (EDTF), to foster tech-enabled innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture, healthcare, and education. We’re bringing together hundreds of investors, companies, startups, jobseekers and entrepreneurs together, to make their mark on Ethiopia’s future. Programming for the Summit includes a job fair and exhibitor hall to connect companies and startups to emerging talent, workshops and panel discussions, and our inaugural Great Rift Valley Pitch Competition, where startups from across the country will participate in Africa’s largest grant funding event: $750,000 in non-dilutive grant funding for the 18 most impactful companies!
Job Fair
At our Job Fair and Exhibition Hall, job seekers can connect directly with companies seeking to hire new talent, and vendors can showcase their products and services to potential investors, customers and partners.
Workshops & Panel Discussions
Our workshops and panel discussions are curated to offer valuable insights and knowledge to innovators and professionals at all stages in their careers, from those just entering the job market to executives with established careers, and everyone in between.
Pitch Competition
The Great Rift Valley Pitch Competition will award $750K USD in non-dilutive grant funding to early-stage and growth-stage companies that are driving innovation in Education, Health, and Agriculture. These three sectors are critical to Ethiopia’s future, and the competition aims to support ventures that are tackling the most pressing challenges within these areas. Apply now for the chance to compete!
Reserve your Interest Now
RSVP to reserve your Interest at the Summit if you wish to attend. If you are a startup seeking funding, apply today to participate in our Pitch Competition, and if you wish to secure a booth at our Exhibitor Hall for your company or organization, please see the Exhibitors section of our website for more information.
Skylight Hotel,
Bole, Addis Ababa
Event Program
- Jan 31, 2025
Registration and Badge Pick-up
Opening Ceremony
Career Fair & Exhibition Hall
Community Lounge
Panel Discussions and Workshops
Networking Reception
- Feb 01, 2025
Registration and Badge Pick-up
Career Fair & Exhibition Hall
Community Lounge
Panel Discussions and Workshops
Great Rift Valley Pitch Competition
Closing Ceremony and Reception
VIP Awards Dinner
Submission Criteria & FAQs
Showcase your company’s impact and innovation! Share what sets your project apart, your progress, and your vision for growth to stand out in this award competition. Apply today to participate in our Pitch Competition!
- info@grvsummit.com
- info@ethiopiatrustfund.org
- 31 Jan - 01 Feb 2025
What stage should my business be at to apply?
We are looking for companies or social enterprises that have either already launched their product or service in the market or are at the MVP stage (our Pre-Seed category). Your business should have a track record of sales and a clear plan for scaling or expanding into new markets.
Does my company need to have previous investment or funding?
While previous investment or funding is not mandatory, we are looking for companies that are capital-ready and seeking funding to grow or scale. This means being prepared to provide financial projections and a well-defined growth plan.
What are the primary impact areas for this competition?
Your company’s mission or product must align with one or more of the following impact lenses: Agriculture Innovation, Healthcare Innovation, or Educational Innovation.
Can I apply if my business operates outside of Ethiopia?
No, you cannot apply if your business operates outside of Ethiopia. Your startup / company must meet all legal and regulatory requirements to operate as a business in Ethiopia (you must provide your Trade / Business License and TIN).
What documents do I need to submit with my application?
You will need to submit a pitch deck, business plan or executive summary, and any supporting documents that demonstrate business traction, impact, or previous funding, as well as your business’s regulatory and legal compliance (Business License, TIN, etc.).
Is there a cost to apply for the pitch competition?
No, there is no cost to apply for the competition. Participation is free for all eligible applicants.
How much funding can I win, and how will it be awarded?
The Great Rift Valley Pitch Competition will award $750K USD in non-dilutive funding in total, to 18 winning companies. The funding will be awarded based on the judges’ evaluation of each finalist’s pitch, business model, and potential for impact in the Seed and Pre-Seed categories.
How will my application be evaluated?
Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Alignment with impact goals and themes of the competition.
- Market readiness and demonstrated traction.
- Potential for social and economic impact.
- Financial sustainability and scalability of the business model.
- Strength of the team and operational capacity.
When will I know if I’ve been selected as a finalist?
Finalists will be notified via email in December. Please ensure that the contact information provided in your application is accurate and up-to-date.
What happens if I am selected as a finalist?
Finalists will be invited to present their pitch live at the Great Rift Valley Innovation Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on February 1, 2025 (Day 2 of the Summit). You will have the opportunity to pitch in front of a panel of esteemed judges and key stakeholders.
What if I have additional questions or need assistance with my application?
Please reach out to our team at info@grvsummit.com for any questions or support. We are happy to help guide you through the application process.
Join as an Exhibitor
RSVP to reserve your spot at the Summit if you wish to attend. If you are a startup seeking funding, apply today to participate in our Pitch Competition, and if you wish to secure a booth at our Exhibitor Hall for your company or organization, please see the Exhibitors section of our website for more information.
