Evaluation of applications: The route to the 80 selected solutions
After successfully concluding the admissibility review, the Nexus Rural 2026 Prize enters one of its most important stages. During this month of September, the jury is carefully analyzing the applications received to select the 80 chosen solutions from Latin America and the Caribbean.
This evaluation seeks real, practical, and transformative ideas and solutions that positively impact family farming and rural territories.
A diverse jury with leadership and territorial knowledge
To guarantee a rigorous evaluation connected to the reality of the field, the jury brings together community leaders, entrepreneurs, specialists in rural development, and members of regional and international organizations. Their work integrates practical experience on the ground with the use of digital technologies for family farming.
Yeisully Tapias
Association of Young Entrepreneurs (ASOJE)
Entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience promoting leadership, community organization, and rural youth entrepreneurship.
Nilson Jose dos Santos
Quilombolas Sumidouro Association
Radio broadcaster leader and defender of social rights, focused on preserving identity and territorial development.
Andrea Segura
ALFI
Technological inclusion specialist, co-founder, and strategy manager of a platform focused on democratizing financial education.
Marcos Vinicius Dias Nunes
Confederation of Family Farmer Organizations of the Extended Mercosur (COPROFAM)
Family farmer, union leader, and rural educator with extensive experience in cooperativism and agrarian development.
Karla Pita
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
Specialist in Indigenous Peoples and Social Inclusion, promoting inclusion and climate resilience in communities.
Benjamín López
Flor de tierra
Agronomist, anthropologist, and co-founder, winner of the 2021 IFAD Rural Youth Innovation Award.
Valentina Morales
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Agronomist and Youth Focal Point at the Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean.
Adrian Migliardi
Specialized Meeting on Family Farming (REAF)
Systems Analyst at the Undersecretariat of Regional Economies and Information Technology Focal Point.
Inola Mapp
Rural Regional Dialogue Program (PDRR)
Family farmer and Regional Coordinator expert in climate resilience and soil recovery.
Jessica Murcia Poulsen
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
International development professional specialized in Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D) and digital transformation.
The 5 evaluation criteria: How are the proposals analyzed?
Each member of the jury evaluates the proposals using a matrix based on 5 key criteria:
Relevance of the problem and effectiveness of the solution
30%Evaluates whether the identified challenge is significant for the territory and if the digital technology responds effectively and timely.
Scalability
25%Analyzes the technical feasibility and strategic vision to adapt and replicate the solution in new communities in the region.
Purpose of the technology
20%Assesses the transformative impact of the proposal on the living conditions, resilience, and well-being of farming families.
Team capabilities
15%Examines the track record of the youth or team, their technical knowledge, and their direct experience in the field.
Strategic alliances and sustainability
10%Considers connections with organizations, institutions, or funding sources, as well as operational continuity over time.
The path in September: AI training and announcement of winners in October
The 80 solutions selected during this month of September will have access to advanced training in Artificial Intelligence Agents applied to digital agriculture, in addition to being part of the Local Talent Network promoted by PROCASUR and IFAD.
Subsequently, in the month of October, the jury will announce the 10 winning initiatives, which will receive $3,500 USD in seed capital, 40 hours of personalized mentoring, and training in agro-intelligent businesses.
