Challenge!
Burn no more
Join the
In the hilly areas of Thailand
Real-world Problem
In many hilly terrains of Thailand and Southeast Asia, crop residues - especially corn stalks - are left scattered across harvested fields. Because removing or managing them is time-consuming and expensive, many farmers resort to burning them on-site, year after year.
It’s fast.
It’s cheap.
And it’s killing our soil - and our lungs.
Health and Climate
Impacts
Burning residues releases vast amounts of PM2.5, a fine particulate that causes air pollution, harms the lungs, and contributes to the region's climate crisis.
Burning disrupts soil biology, kills beneficial organisms, and weakens long-term fertility.
PM2.5 exposure leads to respiratory diseases, lung cancer, and tens of thousands of premature deaths annually.
Solutions
must address
these key challenges
Work directly in the field and on steep slopes - no need for residue removal
01
Be low-cost
02
Be scalable
03
04
Improve or maintain soil fertility for the next crop cycle
05
Be adoptable by smallholder farmers with minimal training or equipment
06
Be climate-safe: no toxic emissions, minimal fossil fuel reliance
Who can apply
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Individuals or teams
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Students, startups, professionals from any country
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Thinkers and doers who care about healthy soil, clean air, and bold ideas
Program Benefits
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Pitch at Demo Day with a chance to win up to 20,000 THB per team
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If selected, the opportunity to develop your solution further together with us
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Final teams will be invited to pitch at AGRIFUTURE Conference & Exhibition, Sep 24 - 25, 2025
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Winner can present their innovation at the AgriTechnica in Bangkok in May 2026
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Connect with experts, mentors, and future partners
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Opportunity to turn your idea into a real-world solution
How to take part?
🌿 How to Join the AgriSpark Hackathon 2025 – Hack the Hills!
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1️⃣ Submit your idea
Fill out the with your idea, product, or approach – that has a solution for the presented use cases. 🗓️ Deadline: 31 July 2025 🗓️ FAQ Calls: 7th & 14th July 2025 -
2️⃣ We review your submission
Our team (GETHAC, Enable Earth & partners) will review all entries and assess fit and potential. -
3️⃣ Shortlisted? Then refine your idea!
You’ll get support and feedback to fine-tune your concept in preparation for the final pitch (Online calls + 1:1 guidance).
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4️⃣ Pitch on the big stage
Finalist teams get the chance to present ideas live at the AgriFuture Conference in Bangkok on 24 September 2025.
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5️⃣ Win and grow your impact!
Receive mentoring and support to develop and scale your solution further.
High costs or hard-to-access materials
Lack of awareness or farmer training
Why this matters?
In-field decomposition solutions - like microbial treatments, low-tech shredders, or bio-enhancing additives - exist, but adoption is low due to:
Unsuitability for specific climates or crops
Perception that burning is still easier
We’re calling on scientists, engineers, biologists, soil lovers, and makers of all stripes to build practical tools, systems, or products that can transform fields full of waste into fertile, clean, and healthy land - without fire.
Program Timeline
FAQ
Q: Do I need to be based in Thailand to join?
A: No. Anyone with a feasible solution and a drive to make an impact is welcome. For winner teams of No Burn use case to participate at Final Pitch Day, GETHAC can only cover costs for domestic travel within Thailand.
Q: How will my solution be judged?
A: Based on fit to the problem, technical and financial feasibility, sustainability, and your team’s grit.
Q: Will I receive support to further develop my idea?
A: Yes. Shortlisted ideas will get visibility, mentoring, and access to potential pilot sites.
Q: How serious is this issue?
A: Very. Residue burning contributes heavily to PM2.5 pollution, which is among the top causes of early deaths in Southeast Asia, and is also degrading the very soil our food depends on.
If you have further questions, please reach out to Sarah Talea Kretschmer
093-529-0484
092-271-3342 (for Thai language)