The World Food Prize Foundation, in collaboration with America's Cultivation Corridor, presents the Innovate for Impact Challenge, a pioneering initiative designed to accelerate agricultural technology (AgTech) innovation. Unveiled at the 2024 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue, this challenge invites early-stage, tech-driven startups from around the globe to present transformative solutions that address critical issues of global food security and sustainability. The initiative aligns with the World Food Prize Foundation’s mission to elevate innovations and inspire action toward alleviating global hunger.
Program Highlights
• Global Call for Startups: The challenge is open to startups worldwide, with a special emphasis on innovation and sustainability.
• Live Pitch Event: Finalists will have the opportunity to showcase their AgTech solutions during the 2026 Borlaug Dialogue.
• Top Prize: The winning startup will be awarded $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 sector. To be eligible, companies must meet the following requirements:
• Be in the early stages of development, ranging 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.
Evaluation Criteria
Startups will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
• Innovation Impact: The novelty and significance of the proposed solution.
• Market Potential: The viability and demand for the solution within the agricultural industry.
• Sustainability Contribution: The alignment of the solution with environmental and social goals.
• Scalability and Replicability: The ability of the solution to expand and be adapted across diverse contexts.
Prizes and Recognition
The top three finalists will receive cash prizes:
• 1st Place: $50,000
• 2nd Place: $10,000
• 3rd Place: $5,000
All finalists will gain significant benefits, including:
• Global Exposure: An opportunity to present their solutions at the Borlaug Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa, an event that gathers over 1,500 food and agricultural leaders from more than 70 countries.
• Networking Opportunities: The chance to engage with investors, industry experts, fellow entrepreneurs, policymakers, and potential partners from around the world.
Timeline and Application Process
• Applications Open: January 21, 2026
• Submission Deadline: April 15, 2026
• Top 10 Announced: July 16, 2026. The Top 10 are required to submit pitch videos and financials.
• Virtual Public Voting: July 16-25, 2026. This phase builds excitement and awareness for the Top 10 finalists.
• Top 3 Announced: August 5, 2026. A representative from each of the Top 3 startups must travel to Des Moines for the live pitch.
• Final Competition: October 20-22, 2026, at the Borlaug Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa.
Application Instructions
To begin the application process, interested parties must create an account with a username and password, which can be used to access the application at any time. The application form must be completed in its entirety before submission. All required fields, marked with a red asterisk, must be filled. Progress can be saved at any point by clicking the "SAVE FOR LATER" button. To officially enter the challenge for consideration, applicants must click the "SUBMIT" button.
The Innovate for Impact Challenge is supported by Pivot Bio. For more information, visit www.worldfoodprize.org/innovate4impact. Questions regarding the challenge may be directed to innovate4impact@worldfoodprize.org.