First City Monument Bank has concluded the 2025 edition of its AgriTech Hackathon, an event organised in partnership with the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank and HeaveVentures. The initiative, held to drive innovation, sustainability and digital transformation across Nigeria’s agricultural value chain, brought together promising startups working to solve challenges in the sector.
According to a statement issued by FCMB on Wednesday, the hackathon featured seven startups selected from different parts of the agricultural ecosystem. These startups were chosen for their potential to develop technology-driven solutions that can improve food production, strengthen value chains and enhance the overall performance of the agriculture industry.
After several rounds of pitching, product demonstrations and mentorship sessions with industry experts, Qiqi Farms was announced as the overall winner of the competition. The team impressed judges with its innovative approach to improving productivity and expanding market access for farmers. Farm Monitor came second, while Tuplant secured the third position with its solution designed to enhance crop efficiency and farmer support systems.
Llyon Farms, AgriX, Freshfare and PalmShops, which also participated in the hackathon, each received N1 million as consolation grants for their contributions and creativity. FCMB said the grants were provided to encourage continuous innovation and to support the teams as they refine their products for market adoption.
Speaking at the event, the Divisional Head of Agribusiness and Non-Oil Exports at FCMB, Kudzai Gumunyu, said the hackathon shows the bank’s strong commitment to supporting young innovators who are building the future of agriculture. He described the initiative as a platform that connects startups to essential tools such as funding, mentorship and access to markets.
Gumunyu explained that FCMB sees agriculture as central to Nigeria’s economic future and believes that digital innovation will determine the sector’s competitiveness on a global scale. He added that by empowering agritech startups, the bank is helping to unlock fresh opportunities and create solutions that can address long-standing challenges in food production and supply chains.
Also speaking, the CEO of HeaveVentures, Abiodun Lawal, said the hackathon highlights the impact of partnerships between financial institutions and the tech community. Lawal commended the participating startups for their creativity and resilience, noting that their solutions demonstrate how technology can improve productivity, promote sustainability and strengthen food security across Africa.
He said HeaveVentures was proud to support a programme that encourages collaboration and pushes the boundaries of what is possible in Africa’s agricultural sector. He added that continuous investment in agritech innovations will play an important role in the continent’s quest for food self-sufficiency.
FCMB said the AgriTech Hackathon reinforces its long-term commitment to improving food security, boosting agricultural exports and supporting the country’s growing digital economy. The bank explained that it will continue to work with relevant partners to widen access to sustainable finance and promote innovation across Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
With the success of the 2025 edition, stakeholders believe the competition will inspire more startups to develop practical and scalable solutions that can help farmers increase yields, reduce losses and attract new investments into the country’s agricultural value chain. FCMB said it remains focused on driving positive change by providing platforms that empower entrepreneurs and deepen innovation in agriculture.
