Startup Innovation Awards @World Food Forum

Overview

The World Food Forum (WFF) Startup Innovation Awards (SIA) is a global initiative designed to recognize and support youth-led startups using technology to transform agrifood systems.

Eligibility

• Startups must be youth-led, with at least one founder or C-level executive aged 18–35.
• Startup representatives participating in pitching and acceleration must also be 35 or younger.
• Startups must have raised less than USD 2 million in capital.
• Annual revenue must be below USD 2 million.
• Solutions must demonstrate validated proof of concept (e.g., pilots, partnerships, early adoption).
• The innovation must show scalability and measurable impact on agrifood systems.

Benefits

• USD 7,500 prize for each category winner.
• USD 2,500 prize for category runners-up.
• Additional USD 10,000 prize for the overall Startup of the Year winner.
• Participation in the MassChallenge Switzerland Accelerator Programme.
• World-class mentorship and training.
• Access to global investors, corporate partners, and agrifood experts.
• Market guidance and growth opportunities.
• Travel support for two finalist teams per category to attend the WFF flagship event in Rome.
• Global exposure through WFF digital platforms and international media coverage.

How to Apply

Visit the official website to apply: Apply Here

Deadline

Applications are open until 1 April 2026.