Startup
Innovation
Awards
About the Startup Innovation Awards
The WFF Startup Innovation Awards, powered by Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC) is a global competition showcasing entrepreneurs who are using the power of technology to transform agrifood systems to end global hunger and achieve the the Sustainable Development Goals. Made possible through a strategic partnership with XTC, the world’s largest startup ecosystem for global impact, these awards spotlight the next generation of innovators developing solutions for a sustainable future.
Watch the 2024 Finals
2024 Awards mission and categories
Technological and digital innovation play a critical role in the future of our food. To address the unprecedented challenges facing our agrifood systems, we need to find new, actionable, innovative and inclusive solutions that respond to the complex, interrelated nature of global agrifood systems..
Through the WFF Startup Innovation Awards, we are seeking to identify, elevate and accelerate the startups who show the greatest potential for a positive impact to transform agrifood systems, aligned to one of four 2024 categories:
Why Apply?
This is more than a competition. It’s your chance to:
- Pitch your innovation to an expert panel of agrifood systems specialists and global leaders.
- Elevate your startup through a global platform, with visibility to investors, governments and organizations committed to sustainability.
- Access resources and opportunities to enhance and scale your solution.
- Win prizes, including financial and in-kind support to fuel your growth, and travel support to attend the WFF flagship event in Rome, Italy.
Imagine yourself pitching to a prestigious panel of judges – this could be your moment! SIA 2025 will be open in April 2025- apply to make a lasting impact on our planet and agrifood systems worldwide.
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Timeline
The WFF Innovation Labs launched the Startup Innovation Awards, powered by Extreme Tech Challenge, on 8 May 2024 during the UN Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Forum is open to startups whose work impacts the four categories explained above.
Be sure to subscribe to the WFF mailing list and follow us on social media for the start of the call!
8 May 2024: Launch of the WFF Startup Innovation Awards, powered by XTC, during UN STI Forum via our website and social media.
8 June 2024: Deadline for new applications.
June – October 2024: The WFF-XTC selection team will narrow down the list of entrants to an initial group of shortlisted startups to be highlighted on our website and participate in the September semi-finals.
The eight finalist startups across the four categories will then give their pitches to the panel of judges in the Startup Innovation Awards Finals during the World Food Forum flagship event on World Food Day, 16 October, with the final award for each of the categories, as well as one overall winner, the WFF Startup Innovation of the Year Award.
Meet the 2024 Winners
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