World Food Forum (WFF) Transformative Research Challenge 2026 for Young Researchers (Up To USD 10,000)

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Applications are open for World Food Forum (WFF) Transformative Research Challenge 2026. The WFF Transformative Research Challenge (TRC) is a global competition that empowers teams of young researchers to advance applied research toward real-world agrifood solutions.

The TRC is designed for projects that have already demonstrated an initial proof of concept, through lab tests, controlled experiments or small-scale validation and that are looking to further strengthen evidence, refine their solution and prepare for real-world piloting.

Semi-finalist teams receive scientific mentorship, practical masterclasses and expert feedback to help move their work from “it works” to “it is ready to pilot”. Teams are supported to produce a Research-to-Impact proposal that documents their progress and outlines a realistic pathway toward piloting through the Youth Food Lab (YFL) or other innovation pathways.

Finalists are given the unique opportunity to pitch their research during the WFF flagship event in October 2026 at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Over the years, the TRC has collaborated with 24 leading organizations, including Wageningen University and Research (WUR), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), EIT Food and CGIAR, to offer over 25 unique prizes. Selecting from over 3 600 submissions globally, the TRC has awarded more than USD 650 000 in grants, funding 80+ groundbreaking projects.

WFF Transformative Research Challenge (TRC) Benefits

Research funding
- Winning teams receive up to USD 10 000 to further validate and refine their prototype. One overall winner across the four TRC prize categories will receive an additional USD 10 000.
Scientific mentorship and capacity development
- Teams receive targeted support from experts to strengthen evidence, feasibility and readiness for piloting.
Global visibility
- Finalist teams are featured across WFF Youth Initiative social media platforms and website, showcasing their work to a global audience of experts and partners.
Networking and collaboration
- Participants join a global community of young innovators, researchers and agrifood professionals.
TRC Finals at the WFF flagship event
- Finalist teams present their Research-to-Impact dossiers and prototypes at the TRC Finals in October during the World Food Forum flagship event at FAO headquarters in Rome, with live global streaming.
Pathway to the Youth Food Lab
- TRC finalists are invited to apply to the WFF Youth Food Lab supporting the transition from validation to field piloting and scaling.

Eligibility Criteria

Your project is a good fit if it is:

Youth-led (ages 18–35), with relevant technical or research expertise;
Applied and research-led, with a tested proof of concept;
Lab-tested or validated in controlled conditions (Technology Readiness Levels: 3-5);
Evidence-based, with data, observations or test results; and
Scientifically sound, with a clear methodology and measurable objectives.

Program Timeline

Open call for applications (March–April)
- Teams submit a 3-page proof of concept summarizing the problem, prototype, existing evidence and validation objectives
Evaluation (April)
- Applications are evaluated on innovation, technical rigor, feasibility, scalability and impact potential
Capacity development (May–June)
- Selected teams join a structured programme combining expert-led masterclasses, scientific mentorship and practical guidance on data, validation, feasibility and impact
Final output (July–August)
- Teams submit a Research-to-Impact dossier outlining results, refinements, risks and pathways to piloting