Youth Innovation Lab
#worldfoodforum
Youth-led Innovation: Driving agrifood systems transformation
Innovation is an essential pillar for reshaping global agrifood systems to be more inclusive, sustainable and resilient.
To find and unleash the full range of innovations needed to support this transformation, we must empower those who will inherit today’s challenges - fostering and supporting youth-led innovation.
The WFF Youth Innovation Lab aims to empower young innovators - particularly from low- and middle-income countries - to lead this transformation by providing inclusive platforms that enhance access to knowledge, networks and resources.
With a strong focus on young researchers and entrepreneurs, the Lab is building a dynamic global ecosystem with the support of a diverse range of stakeholders across international organizations, governments, the private sector, academia and civil society.
Get involved
The World Food Forum needs youth volunteers, partners and sponsors to participate, help bring the event to life, and spread the word about the WFF and the key issues facing our global food systems.
If you are a young and ambitious innovator who wants to join the movement and create a better food future with us, sign up for our mailing list and follow us on social media to keep up to date on our latest news.
To become a volunteer, partner or sponsor, email us at [email protected].
Our approach
By adopting a people-centered approach, the Lab places young innovators at the heart of agrifood systems transformation, enabling them to develop and scale their solutions through three core pillars:
Capacity Development
Through technical training, mentorship, peer-to-peer learning and knowledge-sharing opportunities, young people are equipped with the skills and tools they need to innovate.
Network and community building
By creating visibility for youth-led solutions and facilitating access to global and local platforms, young innovators are empowered to connect, collaborate and form multi-stakeholder partnerships.
Access to resources
Through offering access to financial, technical and institutional resources, young innovators are given the support they need to pilot, sustain and scale their innovations.
“Youths are eager to better the world but require development of skills to turn their dreams into reality and programs like YFL helps achieve it step-by-step.” - Anu Rai, Wetlands for Nepal, YFL 2023
How do we do this?
We identify and support a range of young innovators at different stages in their innovation journeys via our three programme pathways:
TRANSFORMATIVE
RESEARCH CHALLENGE
Early-stage research
Supports emerging researchers to turn promising concepts and evidence-based ideas into actionable research proposals and validated prototypes ready for piloting.
YOUTH
FOOD LAB
Venture formation and early growth
Equips young entrepreneurs to build and refine mission-driven startups and non-profits—testing business models, sharpening go-to-market strategies and preparing for implementation in real contexts.
STARTUP
INNOVATION AWARDS
Scale-up and investment readiness
Showcases maturing startups ready to expand - connecting them with expert review, seed funding, visibility and pathways to partnerships that support replication and growth.
“It has been such a great opportunity to network and, of course, get in front of the judges and investors from around the world who are all individuals we are really inspired by. The network of XTC and of FAO is so impressive. It really takes you far and will help keep you connected.” - SAFI: Digital Innovation In Food Processing Award Winner 2024
Youth driven change is happening now
Our approach is designed for maximum reach, engagement and impact, targeting young people across the globe.
+ 4 400
applications for our competitions and challenges
500
youth-led projects
supported
USD 470 000
in grants and
seed funding
Investing in youth means investing in the future of agrifood systems, empowering the next generation to lead the way toward a more sustainable, equitable and food-secure world.
Activities
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REGISTER NOW FOR THE 2025 WFF FLAGSHIP EVENT
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MEET THE TRC EXPERT EVALUATORS
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MEET THE SIA JUDGES AND EVALUATORS
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MEET THE INNOVATION LAB ALUMNI
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NEEDS ASSESSMENT
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LISTEN TO THE FOOD FOR THE FUTURE PODCAST
News
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