Goumbook’s MENA Regenerative Agriculture Venture Programme is accepting applications for its 2026/27 cohort until 15 November 2026. It is open to researchers, scientists, students and early entrepreneurs with research-based solutions for food systems in the Middle East and North Africa. Goumbook lists three $20,000 grants for the top three finalists.
At a glance
| Deadline | 15 November 2026 |
| Organizer | Goumbook, with HSBC as primary supporter |
| Who can apply | Researchers, innovators, scientists and students with research-based solutions at proof-of-concept stage |
| Focus | Regenerative agriculture for MENA food systems |
| Prize | Three grants of $20,000 for the top three finalists |
| Cost to apply | No fee is mentioned on the programme pages |
| Official link | regenerativeagriculture.goumbook.com |
Who can apply
Goumbook is a social enterprise founded in 2009. The programme is built for people who are developing a solution and want to take it further:
- Researchers, innovators, scientists and students.
- Solutions that are research, science or nature based, whether a process or a technology, developed to proof-of-concept stage.
- Regenerative agriculture solutions that address challenges in MENA food systems. Applicants from anywhere in the world are accepted, but the solution must serve the region.
- Applications are not accepted from Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Sudan, Libya, Yemen and Syria.
What you get
Goumbook’s programme page says the top three finalists each win one of three $20,000 grants. All participants can expect the following support:
- Mentorship and specialist training.
- Expert talks and free online courses.
- A digital community platform and regional networking.
- Potential access to funding and incubation.
The pages we reviewed do not publish the 2026/27 programme dates, selection stages or cohort size. Check the official site before you plan around them.
How to apply
- Check that your solution is research, science or nature based and addresses a MENA food-system challenge.
- Make sure you are not applying from one of the excluded countries.
- Open the programme portal, register and complete the application.
- Submit before 15 November 2026.
Questions go to Goumbook at regenagri@goumbook.com.
Advice from the atlaspreneur team
- Show the proof of concept. The programme looks for solutions already developed to that stage. Lead with what you have tested, not what you plan to build.
- Name the MENA problem in one sentence: which crop, soil, water or supply-chain challenge, and where.
- Stay on regenerative. Explain how your method restores soil, water or biodiversity rather than only raising yield.
- Build a short list of the mentors and partners you would want, so you can use the network from day one.
- Do not wait for November. Open the portal early and keep time for the form.
FAQ
Do I have to live in the MENA region? No. Applicants from anywhere are accepted, except the countries listed above, but the solution must address MENA challenges.
Can students apply? Yes. The programme names students alongside researchers, scientists and innovators.
How much can I win? The programme page lists three grants of $20,000 for the top three finalists.
Is there an application fee? The pages we reviewed do not mention one.
