World Food Forum Startup Innovation Awards 2026

Call for Applications: WFF Startup Innovation Awards 2026

The World Food Forum (WFF), in partnership with Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC), is seeking youth-led startups with high-impact solutions to transform global agrifood systems.

The Challenge: Startups should address one of the four "Betters":

1. Better Production: Precision agriculture, supply chain efficiency.

2. Better Nutrition: Food safety, digital traceability.

3. Better Environment: Climate-smart tech, circular economy.

4. Better Life: Rural digital access, financial inclusion.

Eligibility:

• Youth-Led: At least one founder/executive aged 18–35.

• Stage: Less than $2M in funding or annual revenue.

• Impact: Validated prototype or pilot addressing food security.

Why Apply?

• Global Visibility: Showcase at the WFF flagship event.

• Networking: Connect with the XTC investor network and FAO experts.

• Prizes: Total prize pool of $30,000 USD for top innovators.