FAO Award for Innovation 2026 for Agrifood Solutions (Up to USD 10,000 Prize)

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Applications are open for FAO Award for Innovation 2026. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is calling for nominations for its Award for Innovation 2026. This globally respected prize celebrates groundbreaking solutions that improve agri-food systems, strengthen value chains, and boost sustainability from farm to table. The award welcomes innovators of all types, from institutions and startups to civil society groups and research entities, who are developing solutions with measurable impact.

Applying for this award offers visibility before a global audience, endorsement by a United Nations agency, and the chance to be honoured during a major international ceremony. Innovation is changing the way food is produced, processed, traded and consumed and building more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems.

The FAO Award for Innovation recognizes ground-breaking innovations in areas under FAO’s mandate to Members or non-state partners, including institutions, individuals, international/regional organizations, academic or research entities, civil society groups, private sector entities and FAO employees. Agricultural innovation is central to achieving food security, economic development, climate resilience, and sustainable natural resources management. Recognising and scaling effective solutions helps accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Previous winners include Freza Nanotech Limited of Uganda, whose tech helps extend fresh fruit shelf life and reduce post-harvest losses — benefiting farmers, consumers and local economies alike.

FAO Award for Innovation Benefits

Cash Prize
- Eligible winners are recognised with a USD 10,000 cash award to support further development or scaling of their innovation.
Official Recognition
- Awardees receive international acknowledgment from FAO and may be featured during key United Nations gatherings, including the FAO Council session in Rome.
Global Visibility
- Winning innovations are highlighted across FAO channels and partner networks, significantly boosting visibility among donors, partners and potential collaborators.
Policy Influence
- Highlighted innovations can be showcased to global policymakers and institutions interested in sustainable food systems transformation.

Eligibility Criteria for FAO Award for Innovation

The award is open to a wide range of contributors whose innovations relate to agriculture or food systems:

Individuals
Startups and private companies
Academic and research institutions
Civil society organisations
Regional and international bodies
Public sector entities and partnerships

Innovations may span technological, social, policy, institutional, financial or digital areas — as long as they are relevant to sustainable agri-food systems and demonstrate tangible impact.

General criteria include: