Global AgTech Startups Invited to Compete for $50,000 in World Food Prize Foundation Innovate for Impact Challenge

The World Food Prize Foundation, in collaboration with America's Cultivation Corridor, has opened applications for the Innovate for Impact Challenge, the global AgTech startup competition with a grand prize of USD $50,000, which garnered a pool of applicants from over 60 countries and six continents in 2025.

The Innovate for Impact Challenge supports early-stage, tech-driven startups developing solutions to advance global food security and sustainability. Submissions will be narrowed to 10 finalists, with three selected to travel to Des Moines for the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue, where they will pitch their innovations live on stage before a panel of judges to determine the winner.

"Breakthrough ideas often begin at the earliest stages, and too many never reach the people who need them most," said Thomas Vilsack, CEO, World Food Prize Foundation. "The Innovate for Impact Challenge helps close the gap by connecting promising AgTech startups with global leaders, investors and partners who can help scale solutions that strengthen food security and sustainability worldwide."

The 2025 Challenge winner, APOLO Biotech from Argentina, was selected for their innovation of using RNA technology that addresses the challenges of climate impact on agriculture and the need to reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides.

"Winning the Innovate for Impact Challenge was extremely valuable for us, not only for the financial support, but especially for the recognition and visibility it provided," said Matías Badano, co-founder and CEO, APOLO Biotech. "Since the event, we've been contacted by several potential partners who learned about APOLO through the competition, which has significantly accelerated our momentum."

Top finalists will gain international exposure by presenting their solutions at the 2026 Borlaug Dialogue, a gathering of over 1,500 food and agricultural leaders from more than 65 countries. There will be unique opportunities to engage with investors, industry experts, fellow entrepreneurs, policymakers and potential partners from around the world.

"Entrepreneurs and innovators are essential to building a more resilient and sustainable global food system," said Mashal Husain, President, World Food Prize Foundation. "The Innovate for Impact Challenge is designed to elevate early-stage solutions with the potential to scale and deliver meaningful impact for farmers, communities and the planet."

AgTech startups worldwide are welcome to submit their innovative business to be considered for the top prize. Eligible companies must 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; and demonstrate innovation, market potential and alignment with sustainability goals.

Startups will be evaluated on the novelty and significance of their innovation; the viability and demand within the agricultural industry; alignment with environmental and social goals; and the ability to expand and adapt across diverse contexts.

The deadline for submission is April 15, 2026, for more information, visit the Innovate for Impact Challenge application page.