World Food Prize Foundation Innovate for Impact Challenge for AgTech Startups (Up to $50,000 Grant Prizes)

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Applications are open for World Food Prize Foundation Innovate for Impact Challenge. The World Food Prize Foundation, in collaboration with America’s Cultivation Corridor, hosts 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.

About the Innovate for Impact Challenge

Unveiled at the 2024 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue, the Innovate for Impact Challenge invites forward-thinking entrepreneurs from around the globe to present breakthrough technologies aimed at revolutionizing agriculture. This initiative aligns with the World Food Prize Foundation’s mission to elevate innovations and inspire action toward alleviating global hunger.

Key Highlights

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 Prize: The winning startup will receive $50,000 to further their impact on global food security

Prizes and Benefits

The top three finalists will receive:

1st Place: $50,000
2nd Place: $10,000
3rd Place: $5,000

All finalists will gain:

Unmatchable 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.

Eligibility Criteria for Innovate for Impact Challenge

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

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

Startups will be evaluated 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

Timeline and Application Process

Applications Open: January 21, 2026
Submission Deadline: April 15, 2026
Top 10 Announced: July 16, 2026
- Top 10 are required to submit pitch videos and financials
Virtual Public Voting: July 16-25, 2026
- Builds excitement about the Challenge and awareness for the Top 10
Top 3 Announced: August 5, 2026
- Top 3 must have a representative travel to Des Moines for the live pitch
Final Competition: October 20-22, 2026, at the Borlaug Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa