First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has successfully concluded the FCMB AgriTech Hackathon 2025 in partnership with the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank (FMO) and HeaveVentures. The initiative aims to accelerate innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation in Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.
The event brought together seven startups from across the agricultural ecosystem to present tech-driven solutions to sector challenges. After multiple rounds of pitching and mentorship, Qiqi Farms was named the overall winner, while Farm Monitor and Tuplant placed second and third, respectively. Llyon Farms, AgriX, Freshfare, and PalmShops each received a N1 million consolation grant for their contributions.
The hackathon reflects FCMB’s commitment to nurturing innovation and supporting the next generation of agritech entrepreneurs. By connecting startups to funding, mentorship, and markets, the bank is helping transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector into a digitally driven, globally competitive industry.
The CEO of HeaveVentures, Abiodun Lawal, noted that the hackathon demonstrates the power of collaboration between financial institutions and the tech ecosystem. He expressed pride in seeing startups develop solutions that can redefine productivity, sustainability, and food security across Africa.
The FCMB AgriTech Hackathon reinforces the institution’s dedication to advancing Nigeria’s food security and digital economy through innovation, partnerships, and access to sustainable finance. The event highlights the potential for technology to drive growth and transformation in the agricultural sector.
In Nigeria, the agricultural sector is a significant contributor to the country’s economy, accounting for a substantial portion of the nation’s GDP. However, the sector faces various challenges, including limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, and low productivity. Initiatives like the FCMB AgriTech Hackathon can help address these challenges by promoting innovation and providing support to startups and entrepreneurs.
The success of the hackathon is expected to have a positive impact on Nigeria’s agricultural sector, contributing to the country’s food security and economic growth. With the winners and participants set to receive funding and mentorship, the event is poised to drive meaningful change in the sector.
