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
Eligibility Criteria
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
Judging Panel
The World Food Prize Foundation is honored to work alongside five judges for the Innovate for Impact Challenge, including:
- Han Chen: Renowned business leader and expert in sustainable innovation and technology
- Lazarus Lynch: Chef, author and advocate for inclusive solutions to food security challenges
Additional judges will be announced prior to the final pitch in October 2025. The judging panel will evaluate submissions, select the top 3 finalists and oversee the final live competition during the 2025 Borlaug Dialogue.
Awards:-
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
Deadline:- 15-04-2025
