The WFF Transformative Research Challenge (TRC) is a global competition that empowers teams of young researchers to advance applied research toward real-world agrifood solutions. The TRC is designed for projects that have already demonstrated an initial proof of concept, through lab tests, controlled experiments or small-scale validation and that are looking to further strengthen evidence, refine their solution and prepare for real-world piloting.
Semi-finalist teams receive scientific mentorship, practical masterclasses and expert feedback to help move their work from “it works” to “it is ready to pilot”. Teams are supported to produce a Research-to-Impact proposal that documents their progress and outlines a realistic pathway toward piloting through the Youth Food Lab (YFL) or other innovation pathways.
Finalists are given the unique opportunity to pitch their research during the WFF flagship event in October 2026 at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.
Over the years, the TRC has collaborated with 24 leading organizations, including Wageningen University and Research (WUR), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), EIT Food and CGIAR, to offer over 25 unique prizes. Selecting from over 3 600 submissions globally, the TRC has awarded more than USD 650 000 in grants, funding 80+ groundbreaking projects.
The TRC focuses on the validation and readiness stage of innovation, supporting youth-led teams to:
Your project is a good fit if it is:
Projects that may not make the cut:
Applications closed on 16 May 2025.
For more information, please read the Terms and Conditions.
Young researchers submit a two-page concept note, outlining an initial innovative research idea for one of the four prize categories.
Applications are reviewed by expert evaluators to select the most innovative and cutting-edge research ideas as semi-finalists.
Semi-finalist teams participate in a month-long capacity development programme including masterclasses and mentorship provided by TRC knowledge partners. During this stage, semi-finalists refine their ideas into detailed research proposals.
After a second round of evaluation, finalist teams are selected. Successful teams are invited to pitch their final research projects at the TRC finals at the WFF flagship event in October.
2026
Winning teams receive up to USD 10 000 to further validate and refine their prototype. One overall winner across the four TRC prize categories will receive an additional USD 10 000.
Teams receive targeted support from experts to strengthen evidence, feasibility and readiness for piloting.
Finalist teams are featured across WFF Youth Initiative social media platforms and website, showcasing their work to a global audience of experts and partners.
Participants join a global community of young innovators, researchers and agrifood professionals.
Finalist teams present their Research-to-Impact dossiers and prototypes at the TRC Finals in October during the World Food Forum flagship event at FAO headquarters in Rome, with live global streaming.
TRC finalists are invited to apply to the WFF Youth Food Lab supporting the transition from validation to field piloting and scaling.
Applications closed on 16 May 2025.
For more information, please read the Terms and Conditions.
(Co-hosted by FAO PPR-GEP Secretariat)
Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious viral disease that impacts small ruminants and causes significant socio-economic losses, with annual damages estimated at USD 2.1 billion across nearly 70 countries in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Women, who make up 60% of low-income livestock keepers and play a critical role in small ruminant value chains, face systemic barriers to accessing veterinary services, training and resources essential to effective disease prevention and control. These gender-based inequities undermine women's livelihoods and hinder the eradication of PPR. This prize seeks to empower young researchers to propose transformative, gender-responsive solutions to combat PPR while addressing the unique challenges faced by women in small ruminant farming systems. By promoting innovative approaches to gender equality in livestock management, this prize aims to improve livelihoods, enhance food security and build resilience for communities impacted by PPR. Winners will receive a USD 8 000 research grant and opportunities to showcase their work through the FAO PPR Global Eradication Programme platform, as well as the WFF website and social media channels. Join us in driving change through transformative research that integrates gender mainstreaming with PPR eradication.
(Co-hosted by the FAO Land and Water Division (NSL) and the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI))
Water is essential to global food security and nutrition, with agriculture accounting for over 70% of global freshwater withdrawals. Inland water bodies and river basins sustain millions of farming and fishing communities, including Indigenous Peoples who have safeguarded aquatic ecosystems for generations. However, rising water demand, climate change and ecosystem degradation intensify water scarcity, threatening food security and livelihoods worldwide. The Integrated Water Resources Management Prize empowers young innovators to develop scalable solutions that address water scarcity while promoting environmental conservation, social equity and economic resilience. Aligned with the FAO Strategic Framework (2022-2031), the FAO Blue Transformation Roadmap (2022-2030), and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 (Zero Hunger), 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and 14 (Life Below Water) the prize fosters sustainable water governance and resilient agrifood systems. Winners will receive USD 10 000 in research grants, personalized mentorship from global water management experts and access to exclusive capacity-building sessions. Additionally, they will have opportunities to connect with investors and researchers at high-profile events such as the World Food Forum flagship event. Winners will also gain global visibility through World Food Forum (WFF) Youth Initiative's social media channels and website. Take the lead in addressing one of the world's most pressing challenges by driving sustainable solutions for water management, protecting livelihoods and building a resilient future for agrifood systems.
(Co-hosted by Shanghai Ocean University and the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI))
Aquaculture is the fastest-growing sector within global aquatic food systems, accounting for over 50% of the world's aquatic animal production. Despite its rapid growth and potential to contribute to global food security, the sector faces critical challenges that threaten its sustainability and endanger millions of livelihoods, including climate change, biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. To address these issues, the Sustainable Aquaculture Prize seeks to empower young innovators to develop scalable and accessible solutions that balance aquaculture productivity with environmental conservation, social equity and economic resilience. Winners will receive USD10 000 in research grants, personalized mentorship from global experts and access to exclusive training sessions. They will gain networking opportunities with investors, value-chain stakeholders and research institutions, including participation in the WFF flagship event and the Global Sustainable Aquaculture Advancement Partnership (GSAAP). Additionally, winners will benefit from global visibility through social media campaigns, feature articles on WFF channels and website, and access to cutting-edge resources such as SHOU laboratory facilities. Take part in the next wave of sustainable aquaculture innovation and join us in building a more resilient and equitable aquatic food system for future generations.
(Co-hosted by the FAO Forestry Division (NFO))
Forests are among the most valuable resources on Earth, supporting environmental health, social well-being and economic development. Nearly 6 billion people rely on forests for their livelihoods and essential products, while 4 billion m3 of wood is produced worldwide every year. With demand for forest products projected to rise significantly by 2050, forests face immense challenges, including deforestation, unsustainable harvesting, wildfires, pest outbreaks and climate change intensifying impacts. Addressing these challenges requires science-based and innovative solutions. The Forestry Innovation Prize recognizes youth-led, transformative solutions to address these challenges by fostering innovative, scalable and adaptable approaches to sustainable forest management. It aligns with FAO’s Strategic Framework (2022–2031), Science and Innovation Strategy, and Forestry Roadmap (2024–2031), all of which prioritize scaling scientific and evidence-based innovations to increase the forest sector’s contributions to global solutions and sustainable agrifood systems transformation.
Winners will receive USD 10 000 in research grants, networking and partnership opportunities from global forestry experts. Beyond these, they will gain opportunities to connect with forest sector professionals working in the multilateral development space as well as scientists and researchers in forest sector innovation, from institutions across regions. Winners will also benefit from global visibility and recognition, with their innovations showcased through WFF social media channels and website.
(Co-hosted by the FAO EAF-Nansen Programme and the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI))
Marine ecosystems are vital for global food security, providing essential goods and services, particularly aquatic food products, and supporting the livelihoods of millions of people. However, these systems face significant threats, including excessive fishing pressure, environmental variability, climate change and pollution from marine and land-based sources. The Nansen Programme Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Prize celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF)-Nansen Programme by inspiring young researchers to develop innovative and scalable solutions that enhance the adoption and implementation of the EAF. This holistic, risk-based management approach integrates ecological, social and economic dimensions to ensure the sustainability of marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.
The winning team, comprising two individuals, will receive the opportunity to continue their work with additional support and mentorship at FAO headquarters in Rome for a duration of 3 months fully sponsored by the EAF-Nansen Programme.
Watch the TRC finals in:
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