This archive report was first published on 9 July 2020.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the world, access to safe and nutritious food has become more crucial than ever. In this context, the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Pitch Competition is set to take place as a virtual event on July 30th, 2020.
The competition, organised by the SUN Business Network (SBN), aims to connect Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets with technical assistance and investment opportunities to improve nutrition.
With the current pandemic, health and nutrition are suffering from multiple shocks, particularly affecting women, adolescent girls, children, older people, and marginalised groups in the poorest countries. Undernutrition may also exacerbate the severity of COVID-19 contracted cases, making nutrition innovations more critical than ever.
Lawrence Haddad, Executive Director of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), which co-convenes the SBN with the UN World Food Programme, states, 'SMEs across Africa and Asia are vital in the pandemic response but their ability to operate is being put under increasing strain. Now, more than ever, SMEs need our continued support and investment to allow them to adapt and innovate in challenging times.'
The entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to access business finance and enter new markets, and investors are invited to discuss collaborations and investments with the finalists in more detail in a 'Nutrition Dealroom'. The Dealroom sessions will also connect the finalists with mentors and other ecosystem partners to match the investment-ready entrepreneurs with corporates to provide finance, mentorship, and market-entry solutions.
The overall winner of the SUN Pitch Competition will receive a cash prize of US$20,000 from the SUN Business Network for the most innovative solution for improved nutrition. A further US$17,000 will be awarded for the first and second runners up, while sponsors will each present US$10,000 cash prizes.
