The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is calling for nominations for its Award for Innovation 2026. This globally respected prize celebrates groundbreaking solutions that improve agri-food systems, strengthen value chains, and boost sustainability from farm to table. The award welcomes innovators of all types, from institutions and startups to civil society groups and research entities, who are developing solutions with measurable impact.
Applying for this award offers visibility before a global audience, endorsement by a United Nations agency, and the chance to be honoured during a major international ceremony.
Why the FAO Award for Innovation Matters
Agricultural innovation is central to achieving food security, economic development, climate resilience, and sustainable natural resources management. Recognising and scaling effective solutions helps accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
Previous winners include Freza Nanotech Limited of Uganda, whose tech helps extend fresh fruit shelf life and reduce post-harvest losses — benefiting farmers, consumers and local economies alike.
What the Award Offers (Benefits)
💵 Cash Prize
Eligible winners are recognised with a USD 10,000 cash award to support further development or scaling of their innovation.
🎖️ Official Recognition
Awardees receive international acknowledgment from FAO and may be featured during key United Nations gatherings, including the FAO Council session in Rome.
🌍 Global Visibility
Winning innovations are highlighted across FAO channels and partner networks, significantly boosting visibility among donors, partners and potential collaborators.
🔄 Policy Influence
Highlighted innovations can be showcased to global policymakers and institutions interested in sustainable food systems transformation.
Who Can Be Nominated (Eligibility)
The award is open to a wide range of contributors whose innovations relate to agriculture or food systems:
Individuals
Startups and private companies
Academic and research institutions
Civil society organisations
Regional and international bodies
Public sector entities and partnerships
Innovations may span technological, social, policy, institutional, financial or digital areas — as long as they are relevant to sustainable agri-food systems and demonstrate tangible impact.
General criteria include:
Quality and merit of the innovation
Potential benefit, sustainability, and scalability
Value for money and socio-economic contribution
Inclusion of youth, women, or marginalised groups where applicable
How the Selection Works
Call for Nominations (Dec 2025): FAO opens the award nomination period and invites submissions from eligible actors via FAO Representatives in member countries.
Close Call (Feb 2026): Nominations are reviewed and screened.
Selection (May 2026): Awardees are selected based on established criteria by FAO committees.
Ceremony (Dec 2026): Winners are celebrated at the 181st session of the FAO Council in Rome.
How to Apply / Nominate
To nominate an innovation:
Contact your FAO Representative in countries with accredited FAO offices — they help process submissions through the FAO Awards Secretariat.
In countries without an FAO Representative, submit via Regional or Sub-regional FAO offices.
Provide required documentation showing the innovation’s objectives, results, scalability, sustainability and relevance.
FAO will share detailed nomination forms and guidelines on the FAO Awards portal.
