Applications are open for the Innovate for Impact Challenge 2026, a global competition led by the World Food Prize Foundation in collaboration with America’s Cultivation Corridor.
The initiative invites early-stage agri-tech startups, including those from Africa, to present solutions that address food security, agricultural productivity, and sustainability challenges.
The challenge focuses on identifying startups that are already building practical solutions and are ready to gain visibility, funding, and access to global networks that can support their next stage of growth.
Criteria for Participation
The challenge is open to any early-stage, for-profit agri-tech startups working on technology-driven solutions. To qualify, applicants should:
- Be at the early stage, from a validated concept to pre-Series A
- Have at least one full-time founder
- Show a clear link between their solution and improved agricultural outcomes
- Demonstrate market demand and scalability
Thematic Areas
Solutions can span areas such as:
- Digital agriculture
- Biotechnology
- Climate-smart farming
- Supply chain systems
- Tools that improve productivity or sustainability
Benefits of Participation
Selected startups will compete for a total prize pool of $65,000, distributed as follows:
- $50,000 for the overall winner
- $10,000 for second place
- $5,000 for third place
Beyond funding, finalists will present their solutions at the Borlaug Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa, where they gain exposure to investors, policymakers, and industry leaders from across the global agriculture ecosystem.
Participants also benefit from networking opportunities, visibility among global stakeholders, and the chance to build partnerships that can support deployment across multiple markets.
How to apply
Early-stage agri-tech founders building solutions for food systems can apply through the World Food Prize Foundation portal before Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
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