Nigerian Start-up Vet Konect Named Finalist in World Food Prize Innovation Challenge

News in Brief:

-Nigeria’s Vet Konect Ltd emerged first runner-up at the 2025 World Food Prize Innovate for Impact Challenge.

-The start-up leverages AI and mobile technology to improve livestock healthcare access across Africa.

Nigerian agri-tech start-up Vet Konect Ltd emerged as one of the three global finalists for the inaugural World Food Prize Innovate for Impact Challenge, earning recognition for its pioneering work in transforming animal healthcare across Africa.

Reimagining Animal Care Through Technology

Represented by its Founder and CEO, Terese Shadrach Akpem, Vet Konect was named first runner-up in the 10-month global competition that attracted nearly 400 applications from 65 countries. The company was awarded a $10,000 prize for its innovative approach to improving livestock health and farmer livelihoods.

Vet Konect uses mobile connectivity and artificial intelligence (AI) to make veterinary care accessible to livestock farmers regardless of their location. Its solution provides animal health coverage and social protection, helping farmers reduce losses caused by livestock diseases, a major threat to rural incomes and food security in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.

In 2024, the company was also recognised among the Top AgriFood Pioneers by the World Food Prize for its role in transforming global food systems.

Global Recognition at the Borlaug Dialogue

Vet Konect pitched its solution live at the 2025 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue in Iowa, U.S., alongside two other finalists, APOLO Biotech from Argentina and Capsber Agriscience from India.

APOLO Biotech, led by CEO Matias Badano, won the top prize of $50,000 for using RNA technology to help farmers reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides and adapt to climate change. Capsber Agriscience, represented by Manoj Kumar Rupa, placed third, receiving $5,000 for developing a microbiome platform that eliminates the need for chemical fertilisers.

Empowering Agri-Tech Innovation for Food Security

The Innovate for Impact Challenge, launched in 2024 by the World Food Prize Foundation, aims to identify and support early-stage, tech-driven startups tackling global challenges in food security and sustainability. Entries were judged based on innovation, scalability, environmental impact, and relevance to the agricultural industry.

Speaking at the event, Tom Vilsack, CEO of the World Food Prize Foundation, emphasised the role of innovation in ensuring the future of agriculture:

“By empowering startups to break new ground, we are cultivating the next generation of visionaries who will help feed the world and protect our planet.”

The recognition of Vet Konect not only highlights Nigeria’s growing role in global agri-tech innovation but also reinforces the importance of technology-driven solutions in securing Africa’s food future.