Call for Applications: CAPSHA South-South Collaboration Innovation Pitch Challenge 2026 – Up to USD 15,000 Grants for Innovative Agricultural Capacity-Sharing Partnerships

Application Deadline: August 7, 2026

About the Challenge

The CAPSHA South-South Collaboration Innovation Pitch Challenge 2026 is an innovative funding opportunity designed to support demand-driven partnerships that strengthen agricultural research, extension, education, and innovation systems in Africa, Asia, and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). The challenge is organised under the CGIAR Capacity Sharing (CapSha) Accelerator framework, which promotes a new model of collaboration focused on equitable partnerships, shared knowledge creation, mutual learning, and long-term institutional transformation. Selected applicants will receive up to USD 15,000 to implement their proposed initiatives and contribute to stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive food, land, and water systems.

About the CapSha Accelerator

National Agricultural Research Extension and Education Systems (NAREES) play a critical role in advancing sustainable agricultural development, food security, climate resilience, and rural livelihoods. However, today’s global challenges require new approaches that encourage collaboration, innovation, and shared ownership. The CGIAR Capacity Sharing (CapSha) Accelerator promotes a partnership-based approach where CGIAR organisations and NAREES institutions work together to:

• Generate knowledge collaboratively
• Exchange expertise and experiences
• Adapt innovative solutions to local contexts
• Strengthen institutional capacity
• Build long-term networks for continuous learning

Specific Objectives

The challenge aims to:

1. Strengthen CGIAR and NAREES Collaboration – Improve engagement between CGIAR institutions and NAREES through stronger partnerships based on shared priorities
2. Identify Innovative and Scalable Opportunities – Discover ideas with potential for short-term implementation, medium-term expansion, and long-term investment
3. Promote Equitable Partnerships – Encourage co-creation between CGIAR and NAREES institutions, ensuring all partners contribute knowledge and expertise
4. Advance South-South and North-South Knowledge Exchange – Support collaboration between institutions across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Northern and Southern research institutions
5. Develop Scalable Models – Contribute to stronger agricultural research systems, extension services, education programmes, and implementation capacities
6. Build Sustainable Learning Networks – Encourage Communities of Practice and long-term networks that continue knowledge exchange beyond individual projects

Funding Awards

The total available award budget is USD 45,000. Three grants will be awarded:

• Africa Region: USD 15,000 grant
• Asia Region: USD 15,000 grant
• Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) Region: USD 15,000 grant

The highest-ranked candidate from each region will receive funding to implement their proposed innovation project.

Eligible Project Ideas

Successful proposals should focus on ideas that:

• Address real challenges within agricultural research and innovation systems
• Promote collaboration between institutions
• Encourage knowledge exchange and mutual learning
• Have potential for scaling and replication
• Strengthen food, land, and water systems
• Support sustainable development outcomes

Partnership Approach: Projects may involve partnerships between CGIAR Centers, universities in the Global North and South, government agencies, farmer producer organisations, private sector organisations, NGOs, development partners, and regional organisations.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible Applicants:

Applications must be led by a NAREES institution from one of the following regions:

• Africa
• Asia
• Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)

The lead applicant institution may collaborate with additional partners, including research organisations, universities, government institutions, private sector actors, and development organisations. The application must be led by a NAREES institution. Other organisations may participate as partners but cannot replace the required lead applicant.

Award Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

• Funding of up to USD 15,000 for selected regional winners
• Support to implement innovative agricultural capacity-sharing initiatives
• Opportunities to strengthen international partnerships
• Increased visibility within agricultural research and innovation networks
• Opportunities to contribute to sustainable food systems transformation

Application Timeline

• Applications Open: July 24, 2026
• Application Deadline: August 7, 2026 (23:59 IST)
• Selected Candidates Contacted: August 13, 2026

Selection Process

Submitted proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Alignment with the objectives of the challenge
• Practical and achievable solutions
• Strength of institutional partnerships
• Innovation in capacity-sharing approaches
• Support for sustainable agricultural development
• Potential for long-term value beyond the project period

Why Participate in the Challenge?

The challenge provides an opportunity for agricultural institutions and partners to move beyond traditional capacity-building approaches and develop new models of collaboration.

Through participation, organisations can:

• Strengthen agricultural innovation systems
• Build international partnerships
• Develop scalable solutions
• Improve knowledge exchange
• Support climate-resilient food systems
• Contribute to sustainable rural development

How to Apply

Interested institutions should ensure that:

• The proposal is led by an eligible NAREES institution
• The idea demonstrates strong collaboration potential
• The project addresses capacity-sharing challenges
• The proposal clearly explains expected outcomes and sustainability

Application Link: Click here

For More Information: Visit the Official CAPSHA Innovation Pitch Challenge Page