Applications Invited for WFF Startup Innovation AwardsWorld Food Forum (WFF)

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About the Organization

The World Food Forum (WFF) was launched in 2021 by the Youth Committee of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), as an independent network of partners. Hosted within FAO, it serves as the premier global platform to actively shape agrifood systems for a better food future, accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through youth action, science and innovation, and investment, the WFF forges new paths of action and multi-sector partnerships for agrifood impact at the local, regional and global levels to achieve a more sustainable, resilient, inclusive and hunger-free food future for all.

About the Award

The WFF Startup Innovation Awards, powered by Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC) is a global competition showcasing entrepreneurs who are using the power of technology to transform agrifood systems to end global hunger and achieve the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Made possible through a strategic partnership with XTC, the world’s leading platform for fostering collaboration and innovation among startups, corporations and governments to address global challenges stemming from the SDGs, the Startup Innovation Awards spotlight the next generation of innovators developing solutions for a sustainable future. Over USD 80 000 in financial and in-kind contributions are offered to the winners.

Categories

Technological and digital innovations play a critical role in the future of agrifood systems. To address the unprecedented challenges we are facing, we need to find new, actionable, scalable, investable, innovative and inclusive solutions that respond to the complex, interrelated nature of global agrifood systems.

Through the Startup Innovation Awards, we are seeking to identify, elevate and accelerate the youth-led startups who show the greatest potential for a positive impact to transform agrifood systems across the four categories for 2025:

• Digital Innovation in Food Processing Award: Startups developing cutting-edge solutions to enhance the sustainability, efficiency and resilience of food processing systems. This award celebrates innovations transforming how raw food materials are processed, preserved, and packaged using data-driven insights, smart equipment and connected platforms that optimize every step of the food processing chain.
• Equitable and Sustainable Nutrition Award: Startups driving inclusive solutions to ensure access to nutritious, sustainable food for all. This award recognizes innovations across food production, distribution and consumption that promote health and well-being, making nutritious food more accessible, affordable, and equitable for communities everywhere.
• Enhancing Climate Resilience and Water Security Award: Startups developing innovative solutions to tackle the urgent challenges of climate change and water scarcity. This award recognizes technologies and practices that promote sustainable water management, strengthen resilience to climate change and support the long-term sustainability of agrifood systems and the communities that depend on them.
• Driving Innovation in Agrifood Systems Award: Startups developing digital innovations that enhance the sustainability, efficiency and resilience of agrifood systems. This award highlights the use of technologies such as IoT, AI, blockchain, automation, drones, robotics and advanced data analytics to optimize resource use, reduce environmental impact and promote long-term sustainability across the agrifood value chain.

Benefits:

This is more than a competition. It’s your chance to:

• Pitch your innovation to an expert panel of agrifood systems specialists and global leaders.
• Elevate your startup through a global platform, with visibility to investors, governments and organizations committed to sustainability.
• Access resources and opportunities to enhance and scale your solution.
• Win prizes up to USD 80 000 including financial and in-kind awards to fuel your growth. Travel support to attend the WFF flagship event in Rome, Italy is also provided.
• Ongoing access to two global communities to enhance and scale your solution; continuing engagement with FAO and Extreme Tech Challenge Ecosystems.

How to Apply

The WFF Innovation Lab launched the Startup Innovation Awards, powered by Extreme Tech Challenge, on 16 April 2025 and will accept applications until 22 May 2025.

Apply now

For more information please check the Link

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