Applications are now open for the 2025 World Food Prize Foundation Innovate for Impact Challenge.

The World Food Prize Foundation, in collaboration with America’s Cultivation Corridor, is proud to launch the Innovate for Impact Challenge, a pioneering initiative dedicated to accelerating agricultural technology (AgTech) innovation. This challenge seeks to identify and support early-stage, tech-driven startups whose transformative solutions address the critical challenges of global food security and sustainability.

 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The challenge is open to early-stage, for-profit startups in the AgTech space. Eligible companies must meet the following requirements:

• Demonstrate innovation, market potential, and alignment with sustainability goals.
• Be in the early stages of development, from validated concepts to pre-Series A funding.
• Have at least one founder working full-time on the project.

Startups will be evaluated based on:

• Innovation Impact: The novelty and significance of the solution.
• Market Potential: Viability and demand within the agricultural industry.
• Sustainability Contribution: Alignment with environmental and social goals.
• Scalability and Replicability: Ability to expand and adapt across diverse contexts.

• Global Call for Startups: Open to startups worldwide, with a special emphasis on innovation and sustainability.
• Live Pitch Event: Finalists will showcase their AgTech solutions during the 2025 Borlaug Dialogue.
• Top Prizes:
  • 1st Place: $50,000
  • 2nd Place: $10,000
  • 3rd Place: $5,000

 

All finalists will gain:

• Unmatched global exposure by presenting their solutions at the 2025 Borlaug Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa, which anticipates a gathering of over 1,500 food and agricultural leaders from more than 70 countries.
• Unique opportunities to engage with investors, industry experts, fellow entrepreneurs, policymakers, and potential partners from around the world.

 

APPLY HERE