The Lagos State Government has officially opened applications for Agrithon 2025, a major youth-focused agriculture competition offering a total grant pool of N150 million. The announcement came during the launch of the application portal by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, who emphasized that this program is not just about funding — it’s about building long-term solutions for food security, innovation, and sustainability in Lagos.
Agrithon 2025 is the second edition of this state-led agriculture innovation program, following its first rollout in 2024. The goal is simple but bold: to support young agripreneurs who are building businesses in agriculture and food systems. The state is using this opportunity to encourage more youth to bring forward smart ideas that could change the way food is produced, processed, and delivered in Nigeria.
N150 Million Up for Grabs — Bigger and Better Than Before
One of the biggest highlights of this year’s Agrithon is the N150 million grant pool — a significant jump from last year’s N100 million support given to 26 startups. According to the commissioner, the 2025 edition will support no fewer than 35 startups working in different areas of the agricultural value chain.
This move by the government shows a clear shift towards using innovation and youth energy to solve key issues in agriculture. And this time, it’s not just about pitching an idea — it’s about creating something that can grow into a business, a movement, and a long-term solution.
Who Can Apply and What You Need to Know
The application portal opened on June 2, 2025, and will stay open until June 27, 2025. Young people between the ages of 18 and 40 are invited to apply — especially those who have startups that are between zero to five years old.
But there are a few conditions. These startups must be working in the agriculture or food systems space. Also, they must either be based in Lagos or show clear evidence of creating a measurable impact within the state.
Every applicant must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and must also have a LASSRA (Lagos State Residents Registration Agency) ID.
What Kind of Ideas Are They Looking For?
The Agrithon is not for just any idea. The Lagos government is clearly looking for projects that are fresh, practical, and built around solving real problems in agriculture. Some of the focus areas include:
- Climate-smart farming methods
- Sustainable and organic agriculture
- Precision agriculture using smart tools
- Agri-fintech and digital payment systems for farmers
- Food production, processing, and safety tracking
- Post-harvest handling and storage
- Smart logistics and delivery of farm products
Applicants must submit a pitch deck that explains three things very clearly: the problem they are trying to solve, the solution they have in mind, and the kind of impact they hope to achieve if given the opportunity.
What Makes Agrithon 2025 Different?
While many competitions focus on ideas, Agrithon takes it a step further. It includes virtual and in-person pitch sessions, plus access to a mentorship hub where selected startups can learn how to improve their business model and prepare for scale.
The winners will be announced at the Lagos Agrinnovation Summit 2.0, a major state event where innovators get to meet investors, policymakers, and leaders from across Nigeria’s agricultural sector. This means even those who don’t win grants could still leave the competition with a valuable network and new business opportunities.
Commissioner Speaks on the Bigger Vision
While speaking at the event, Commissioner Olusanya said that Lagos needs to think ahead and use both innovation and partnership to prepare for future food needs.
“Lagos must act boldly – leveraging policy, partnerships, and innovation, to secure the future of food for its people. This is why Lagos Agrithon was born,” she said.
She added that the competition is not just about selecting winners but creating a movement that supports youth-led innovation in food systems.
How to Apply for Agrithon 2025
To join the competition, applicants must:
- Visit the official Agrithon application portal
- Fill out the online registration form
- Upload their pitch deck explaining their business idea
- Submit before June 27, 2025
Those selected will be contacted for the next phase, which includes mentorship, pitch training, and demo presentations.
Why This Matters Now
Agrithon 2025 comes at a time when food prices are rising, food systems are under pressure, and many young Nigerians are looking for practical business opportunities. By offering real money, real mentorship, and real chances to connect with industry experts, Lagos is showing a clear interest in making agriculture attractive and profitable for the next generation.
This grant is more than just funding — it’s a message that innovation in agriculture is not only possible but urgently needed. It’s also a chance for the state’s young entrepreneurs to step up and create businesses that can feed Lagos, provide jobs, and shape the future.
If you’re a young agripreneur in Lagos with a big idea and the drive to make it work, this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. The countdown is on — and the future of food might just begin with your pitch.