Apply for the World Food Prize Foundation Innovate for Impact Challenge to showcase your tech-driven startup and compete for up to $50,000 in funding to revolutionize agriculture and global food security. Apply below:
When is the Application Deadline:
The application deadline is April 15, 2025.
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Tell Me About The World Food Prize Innovate for Impact Challenge:
The Innovate for Impact Challenge is a global competition launched by the World Food Prize Foundation, in collaboration with America’s Cultivation Corridor, to identify and support early-stage, tech-driven startups that have the potential to revolutionize agriculture and address global food security challenges. The competition seeks breakthrough solutions that promote agricultural productivity, sustainability, and resilience in food systems.
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The winning startup will receive $50,000, while the second and third-placed finalists will receive $10,000 and $5,000, respectively. Finalists will be invited to present their innovations at the 2025 Borlaug Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa, where they will gain global exposure, connect with thought leaders, investors, and policymakers, and receive valuable mentorship.
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Which Fields are Eligible?
The challenge is open to startups focused on Agricultural Technology (AgTech), including but not limited to:
- Sustainable agriculture
- Food security solutions
- Precision farming
- Climate-smart agriculture
- Agri-biotechnology
Type:
Challenge/Contest
Who can Apply For The World Food Prize Innovate for Impact Challenge?
Also, to qualify for the Innovate for Impact Challenge, applicants must:
- Be an early-stage, for-profit startup focused on AgTech.
- Be in the early stages of development, from a validated concept to pre-Series A funding.
- Have at least one founder working full-time on the project.
- Demonstrate innovation, market potential, and sustainability alignment.
How are Applicants Selected?
Entries will be judged based on the following criteria:
- Innovation Impact – The novelty and significance of the solution.
- Market Potential – The viability and demand within the agricultural industry.
- Sustainability Contribution – Alignment with environmental and social goals.
- Scalability and Replicability – The ability to expand and adapt across diverse contexts.
A panel of esteemed judges from the agricultural sector will review and select the top 10 startups in June 2025, followed by public voting and the final selection of the top 3 finalists in August 2025. The final pitch competition will take place at the 2025 Borlaug Dialogue in October.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
- A detailed application form outlining their innovation.
- Supporting business and financial documents.
- A pitch deck explaining the startup’s vision, impact, and scalability.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
All countries
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Where will the Award be Taken?
The final competition and award presentation will take place at the 2025 Borlaug Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa, USA.
How Many Awards?
Not specified
What is the Benefit of The World Food Prize Innovate for Impact Challenge?
Additionally, the Innovate for Impact Challenge provides:
- Financial Support – $50,000 for the winner, and $10,000 and $5,000 for second and third place.
- Global Exposure – Finalists will present their solutions at the 2025 Borlaug Dialogue in front of 1,500+ food and agricultural leaders from over 70 countries.
- Networking Opportunities – Connections with investors, industry experts, policymakers, and fellow entrepreneurs.
- Mentorship and Collaboration – Access to guidance from agriculture and technology experts.
- Travel Support – Finalists will have their travel expenses covered for the competition.
How Long Will the Award Last?
The competition timeline includes:
- Applications open: January 21, 2025
- Submission deadline: April 15, 2025
- Top 10 announced: June 2025 at DialogueNEXT India
- Public voting: June–July 2025
- Top 3 finalists announced: August 2025
- Final pitch competition: October 21-23, 2025, at the Borlaug Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa
How to Apply:
Visit the official application webpage to begin.
