A group of young agritech entrepreneurs (agripreneurs) from eight countries have completed a three-day Digital Agriculture Innovation Bootcamp in Yunnan province, a collaborative effort by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Zhejiang University, and e-commerce platform Pinduoduo.
The program aims to accelerate the adoption of digital tools in agriculture and equip emerging leaders with practical knowledge to address real-world farming challenges, according to an announcement.
Eighteen startup founders, all previous winners of the FAO-led Global AgriInno Challenge, participated in the intensive training.
The bootcamp was held in two parts—beginning at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, where participants explored tools like stakeholder mapping, needs assessment, and fundraising strategies tailored to agritech startups.
The program then moved to Gusheng village in Dali, Yunnan, where participants engaged in fieldwork, interviewing local farmers and observing digital agriculture applications in action.
Visits to “Science and Technology Courtyards”—on-site research stations—highlighted smart farming solutions designed to improve soil health and reduce chemical use.
In one notable case, a pilot program reduced nitrogen and phosphorus runoff into nearby Erhai Lake by over 30% through customized fertilizer recommendations delivered via mobile platforms.
The initiative also provided insights into user-centric innovation, with founders learning how local farmers adopt digital solutions when they directly address productivity and sustainability concerns.
Technologies such as mechanized planting and app-based agricultural services were among the innovations examined during the visit.
The bootcamp is part of Pinduoduo’s broader push to modernize agriculture using digital platforms and data-driven technologies.
In April, the company announced a RMB 100 billion commitment to further investment in agricultural research, farmer support, and digital transformation efforts.
FAO said the initiative supports its global strategy to scale up digital innovation in food systems, particularly through youth engagement and the establishment of regional Digital Agriculture Innovation Hubs.
Business News Asia