The World Food Prize Foundation, in collaboration with America’s Cultivation Corridor, is proud to launch the Innovate for Impact Challenge—a pioneering initiative dedicated to accelerating agricultural technology (AgTech) innovation. This Challenge seeks to identify and support early-stage, tech-driven startups whose transformative solutions address the critical challenges of global food security and sustainability.
About the Innovate for Impact Challenge
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 the 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
Prizes and Recognition
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
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.
Timeline and Application Process
Applications Open: January 21, 2025
Submission Deadline: April 15, 2025
Top 10 Announced: June 2025 at DialogueNEXT India
Virtual Public Voting: June-July 2025
Top 3 Announced: August 2025
Final Competition: October 21-23, 2025, at the Borlaug Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa
Join the Movement
“Innovation is the key to solving today’s agricultural challenges and securing a sustainable future for global food systems,” said Mashal Husain, Chief Operating Officer, World Food Prize Foundation. “By empowering startups to break new ground, we are cultivating the next generation of visionaries who will help feed the world and protect our planet.”
Questions about the Innovate for Impact Challenge may be directed to [email protected].
