FAO, Zhejiang University and Pinduoduo hold Global Digital Agriculture Innovation Bootcamp for Young agrientreprenuers in China

DALI, China — A group of young agripreneurs from eight countries have completed a seven-days’ journey of bootcamp on 31 May 2025. Started in Hangzhou, ended in Dali, the Digital Agriculture Innovation Bootcamp is part of a global effort to equip the next generation of agrifood leaders with the innovation skills and digital tools needed to solve real-world challenges in agrifood sector.

The Digital Agriculture Innovation Bootcamp, co-hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Zhejiang University, and Pinduoduo, which is a famous e-commerce platform, brought together 18 startup founders for hands-on training and field research. All participants were previous winners of the Global AgriInno Challenge, an FAO-led competition recognizing youth-led innovation in agriculture.

“Digital transformation is reshaping the agrifood value chain by boosting productivity, ensuring food safety, and addressing poverty and hunger. Yet, many startups face significant challenges in scaling their innovations throughout the digital transformation journey. At FAO, we believe that youth-led innovation powered by emerging technologies can play a transformative role in building more climate-resilient, efficient, and equitable agrifood systems, That's why Digital Agriculture Innovation Bootcamp is co-organized by FAO, Zhejiang University and Pinduoduo for the Global AgriInno Challenge alumni, which targeting the winners from 2020 to 2024. It is designed to equip them with the practical skills, cutting-edge digital tools, and valuable connections to "Alumni" in the way they need to thrive.” said Vincent Martin, director of the FAO Office of Innovation.

The bootcamp builds on the momentum of past editions of Global AgriInno Challenge and is part of FAO and Pinduoduo’s ongoing campaign to drive agricultural modernization through digitalization and scientific innovation.

The project was split into two parts. The Yunnan leg, held in the ancient village of Gusheng in Dali, delivered participants firsthand exposure to how digital agriculture is being deployed at the grassroots level. Agripreneurs conducted interviews with local farmers, visited “Science and Technology Backyards,” and field-based research stations, and observed smart farming initiatives aimed at improving soil health and reducing chemical use.

The first part of the bootcamp was held at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, where participants were introduced to innovation tools such as stakeholder mapping, needs assessment, and startup fundraising. Experts from FAO, Zhejiang University, Pinduoduo, Greenstartups and top agricultural universities shared practical strategies for scaling agri-tech solutions in smallholder contexts.

“This Bootcamp is more than just a training— it’s a platform for collaboration, a hub of creative ideas, and a launchpad for impactful solutions. Over the coming days, we will explore cutting-edge tools, share inspiring stories, develop innovative prototypes, and, most importantly, learn from one another. Whether you are a tech enthusiast, a policymaker, a researcher, or a farmer, we are united by a common vision to build a smarter, more inclusive, and more resilient agricultural future.” said LIANG Junying, Director of Global Engagement Office at Zhejiang University.

Back in Dali, participants learned how local farmers use app-based platforms to order fertilizer tailored to their crop and soil profiles. One pilot program has reportedly reduced nitrogen and phosphorus runoff into nearby Erhai Lake by more than 30%.

“This experience gave me new ways to think about adoption,” said Robinson, the startup founder. “Farmers won’t pay for innovation—they’ll pay for solutions that improve their lives.”

“Innovation technology is the wind, data empowerment is the rain, and multidisciplinary talent is the plow. Together, they drive modern agriculture forward, For Pinduoduo, the bootcamp is part of a long-term commitment to agricultural development. Our company has continuously supported initiatives such as the Global AgriInno Challenge, the Science and Technology Backyard Competition, and now this bootcamp, all under its mission to strengthen agriculture through e-commerce and digital technology.” said Hou Kaidi, vice president of Pinduoduo by the end of the bootcamp. “In the next three years, we will continue to leverage the company’s digital platform and resources to support global agricultural talent development and innovation, allowing the fruits of science and technology to take root in the fields and energize rural revitalization.”

FAO will continue building its global network of Digital Agriculture Innovation Hubs, linking governments, academia, the private sector and farmers to fast-track sustainable transformation in food systems worldwide. In the mean time, a new conception of “FAO Alumni network” is to be established to recruit winners and beneficiaries of different FAO innovation programs, aiming to foster connections and collaborations among the alumni. All the teams that participate in the Digital Agriculture Innovation Bootcamp will be invited as the first cohort of the FAO Alumni Network.