The World Food Forum (WFF) Startup Innovation Awards 2025, powered by Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC), invites youth-led startups to join a prestigious global platform accelerating the transformation of global agrifood systems. This international Competition is designed for early-stage enterprises leveraging cutting-edge technology and innovation to solve urgent challenges related to food security, sustainability, and climate resilience.

As one of the world’s most recognized platforms for youth in food systems innovation, the WFF Startup Innovation Awards provide an exceptional opportunity for startups to present scalable solutions to international experts, investors, policymakers, and media. Winning startups will not only gain global exposure but also access funding, mentorship, and travel support to attend the WFF flagship event in Rome, Italy.

If your startup is using digital tools, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, or any frontier technology to solve hunger and drive sustainable development, this is your opportunity to be recognized on a global stage and become part of a powerful innovation ecosystem.

Program Details

Host Institution:
World Food Forum (WFF), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC)

Program Type:
Fully Funded, international Competition for youth-led startups

Program Location:
Rome, Italy (WFF Flagship Event for finalists)

Program Dates:
Flagship event held in October 2025 (exact dates to be announced)

Program Themes or Focus Areas:

• Agrifood innovation

• Nutrition and food equity

• Digital agriculture and AI

• Climate resilience and water security

• Food processing technology

Benefits

Participants in the WFF Startup Innovation Awards 2025 will receive:

• Opportunity to pitch innovations before top global agrifood and sustainability experts

• Access to over USD 80,000 in cash and in-kind prizes

• All-expenses-paid trip to Rome, Italy to attend and present at the WFF flagship event

• Global visibility and media coverage through FAO and XTC channels

• Introduction to potential investors, venture capitalists, and global partners

• Tailored mentorship and networking opportunities with agrifood leaders

• Eligibility for exclusive partner prizes such as the MassChallenge Switzerland Prize

Award Categories

The 2025 awards will spotlight the most promising solutions in the following areas:

• Digital Innovation in Food Processing Award
  Recognizing startups transforming food processing with automation, efficiency, and sustainability.

• Equitable and Sustainable Nutrition Award
  Honoring innovations that improve access to nutritious, affordable, and sustainably produced food.

• Enhancing Climate Resilience and Water Security Award
  Celebrating solutions that strengthen food systems against climate change and water scarcity.

• Driving Innovation in Agrifood Systems Award
  For startups utilizing IoT, AI, blockchain, drones, and advanced analytics to reshape the agrifood landscape.

Special Prizes

• Startup of the Year Award 2025
  The highest recognition, awarded to the most impactful, scalable, and transformative startup across all categories.

• Fighting Malnutrition and Enhancing Food Security Prize (Presented by MassChallenge Switzerland)

  • Open to semi-finalists

  • Includes EUR 10,000 cash, tailored mentorship, and travel support to Switzerland for networking and promotion.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, startups must meet the following criteria:

• Must be youth-led (founded or co-founded by individuals under the age of 35)

• Must provide tech-driven, scalable solutions that positively impact food systems

• Open to startups at various stages (early, seed, or growth) with working prototypes or active services

• Startups from all countries are eligible and encouraged to apply

• Solutions must align with SDGs, particularly those related to hunger, health, climate, and innovation

How to Apply

To submit your application for the WFF Startup Innovation Awards 2025, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official WFF Startup Innovation Awards application portal.

2. Create an account and fill out the required personal and company information.

3. Upload detailed documentation including:

   • Executive summary or pitch deck

   • Business registration documents (if applicable)

   • Brief video pitch (optional but recommended)

4. Clearly describe how your solution addresses one or more of the award categories.

5. Submit your application before the deadline.

Make sure your submission showcases the uniqueness, scalability, and potential global impact of your innovation.

Application Deadline

22 May 2025