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 United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Made possible through a strategic partnership with XTC, the world’s leading platform for fostering collaboration and innovation among startups, corporations and governments to address global challenges stemming from the SDGs, the Startup Innovation Awards spotlight the next generation of innovators developing solutions for a sustainable future. Over USD 70 000 in financial and in-kind contributions are offered to the winners.
2025 Awards mission and categories
Technological and digital innovations play a critical role in the future of agrifood systems. To address the unprecedented challenges we are facing, we need to find new, actionable, scalable, investable, innovative and inclusive solutions that respond to the complex, interrelated nature of global agrifood systems.
Through the Startup Innovation Awards, we are seeking to identify, elevate and accelerate the youth-led startups who show the greatest potential for a positive impact to transform agrifood systems across the four categories for 2025:
Digital Innovation in Food Processing Award
Startups developing cutting-edge solutions to enhance the sustainability, efficiency and resilience of food processing systems. This award celebrates innovations transforming how raw food materials are processed, preserved, and packaged using data-driven insights, smart equipment and connected platforms that optimize every step of the food processing chain.
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Equitable and Sustainable Nutrition Award
Startups driving inclusive solutions to ensure access to nutritious, sustainable food for all. This award recognizes innovations across food production, distribution and consumption that promote health and well-being, making nutritious food more accessible, affordable, and equitable for communities everywhere.
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Enhancing Climate Resilience and Water Security Award
Startups developing innovative solutions to tackle the urgent challenges of climate change and water scarcity. This award recognizes technologies and practices that promote sustainable water management, strengthen resilience to climate change and support the long-term sustainability of agrifood systems and the communities that depend on them.
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Driving Innovation in Agrifood Systems Award
Startups developing digital innovations that enhance the sustainability, efficiency and resilience of agrifood systems. This award highlights the use of technologies such as IoT, AI, blockchain, automation, drones, robotics and advanced data analytics to optimize resource use, reduce environmental impact and promote long-term sustainability across the agrifood value chain.
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Special Awards
Startup of Year Award 2025
This is the highest recognition under the 2025 Startup Innovation Awards. It will honor the most outstanding and impactful startup selected from the eight finalists across all categories. This award celebrates the startup that demonstrates exceptional innovation, scalability and potential to transform agrifood systems globally.
Fighting malnutrition and enhancing food security prize by MassChallenge Switzerland
This cross-category special prize recognizes a standout startup advancing food security and addressing malnutrition. Open to all 2025 semi-finalists of the Starup Innovation Awards, the winner will receive a EUR 10 000 cash prize and tailored support from MassChallenge Switzerland and FAO to scale their impact. MassChallenge is the world’s largest non-equity startup accelerator and has unsurpassed connections into the largest food companies on the planet.
Travel to Switzerland will be supported by MassChallenge. Please note: The winner must attend the MassChallenge event in Switzerland to receive the award.
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to accelerate your startup’s growth.
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 up to USD 80 000 including financial and in-kind awards to fuel your growth. Travel support to attend the WFF flagship event in Rome, Italy is also provided.
- Ongoing access to two global communities to enhance and scale your solution; continuing engagement with FAO and Extreme Tech Challenge Ecosystems.
Imagine yourself pitching to a prestigious panel of judges – this could be your moment! Apply to make a lasting impact on our planet and agrifood systems worldwide.
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Application and timeline
The WFF Innovation Lab launched the Startup Innovation Awards, powered by Extreme Tech Challenge, on 16 April 2025 and will accept applications until 22 May 2025. This global competition invites startups driving sustainable, tech-powered solutions that create real impact across the four award categories.
Timeline of the Startup Innovation Awards 2025:
22 May 2025: Application deadline
Submit your application to be considered for the competition.
30 June 2025: Semi-finalists notification
Semi-finalists will be notified, marking the beginning of an exciting journey toward the finals.
24 July 2025: Finalist selection & invitation to the WFF flagship event
Finalists will be selected and officially invited to showcase their innovations at the WFF flagship event.
15 October 2025: SIA Finals at FAO headquarters, Rome, Italy
The grand finale will take place at the WFF flagship event happening from 13 – 17 October, at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.
Meet the 2024 Winners
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