The World Food Forum (WFF), in collaboration with Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC), has launched the call for applications for the Startup Innovation Awards 2025. This global competition aims to spotlight youth-led startups that are transforming agrifood systems through technology, with the goal of ending hunger and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
📅 Key Dates:
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Application deadline: 22 May 2025
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Semifinalist notification: 30 June 2025
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Finalist selection: 24 July 2025
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In-person final: 15 October 2025, at FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy
🏆 Award Categories:
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Digital innovation in food processing: Solutions that enhance sustainability and efficiency in food processing.
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Equitable and sustainable nutrition: Projects ensuring access to nutritious and sustainable food for all communities.
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Climate resilience and water security: Technologies tackling the challenges of climate change and water scarcity in agrifood systems.
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Innovation in agrifood systems: Use of technologies such as IoT, AI, blockchain, and data analytics to optimise the agrifood value chain.
🎁 Prizes and Benefits:
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Over USD 80,000 in cash and in-kind prizes
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Support to attend the main WFF event in Rome
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Access to global FAO and XTC networks to help scale your solution
🌟 Special Recognitions:
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Startup of the Year 2025: Awarded to the most outstanding project among the finalists
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MassChallenge Switzerland Award: EUR 10,000 and mentorship for the startup tackling malnutrition and food security
Submit your application by 22 May 2025 to the category of your choice, by clicking here.
Source: youth.world-food-forum.org/innovation-lab/startup-innovation-awards/en