Overview

The World Food Forum Startup Innovation Awards 2026 is a prestigious global competition aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions transforming food systems worldwide.

Eligibility

Young entrepreneurs and startup founders
Early-stage agrifood startups
Teams working on innovative food system solutions
At least one founder or senior executive must be between 18 and 35 years old
Startups must be early-stage (pre-seed or seed stage) and have a validated solution
Typically, startups should have raised less than $2 million in funding

Benefits

Cash prizes of up to $15,000–$17,000
Access to global experts and industry leaders
Participation in accelerator programs like MassChallenge Switzerland
Opportunity to pitch at an international event in Rome
Connections with global innovators and institutions
Investor access and scaling strategies guidance

How to Apply

To apply, visit the official application portal and ensure your application includes:
1. The problem you are solving
2. Your innovation and how it works
3. Evidence of validation or traction
4. Your scalability plan
5. The impact your solution can create

Apply here