Welcome to the Global AgriInno Challenge 2025!

Join a global movement of youth innovators and agri-tech entrepreneurs driving change in food and farming.

 

Together, we're using open technology and digital infrastructure to build more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient agrifood systems.

 

Theme

Harnessing emerging technologies and Digital Public Infrastructure for sustainable agrifood systems: Advancing climate resilience, supply chain efficiency, and nutritional security.

 

Why this is Important

We're bringing together global youth innovators, agri-tech entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to develop cutting-edge digital solutions that drive climate resilience, supply chain efficiency, and nutritional security in agrifood systems. Through this initiative, we aim to advance inclusive, sustainable innovation aligned with the SDGs—particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). By fostering collaboration and scaling impactful innovations, we bridge the digital, gender, and rural divides.

 

Our Goals

  • Spotlight and scale up the most promising, technology-driven solutions for agrifood system challenges

  • Co-create innovations that are practical, inclusive, and locally relevant

  • Connect global innovators with mentors, investors, and ecosystem stakeholders

  • Prepare winning teams to pitch at global events like the FAO Science and Innovation Forum 2025

Timeline

Participant Benefits

 

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Mentorship

 

Seed Funding

 

Recognition

 

Networking

 

48-hour co-creation bootcamp with global mentors 

 

Expert coaching from UN agencies, investors, and private sector leaders

 

 

Chance to showcase your solution on a global stage

 

Up to 30k dollars Seed funding for winning teams

Chance to showcase your solution on a global stage

 

All travel, visa, lodging, and meals covered for finalists attending in China

Access to the Global AgriInno Challenge alumni network

 

Build relationships with agencies, venture capitalists, industry leaders, and fellow innovators

Innovation Coaches & Selection Board

Mentors Juries

Academic experts: FAO, Zhejiang University and other stakeholders in the field of digital agriculture and innovation.

 

Business mentors: business leaders from top companies in agribusiness-related sectors; angel investors from top venture capital funds with extensive investment experience in smart agriculture.

 Professional experts from academies, international organizations and government, investors and business leaders in the agri-food sector.

Selection Criteria

 

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Innovation

Solutions should demonstrate strong alignment with the challenge theme, offer original use of emerging technologies, and be accessible and inclusive to smallholder farmers and marginalized groups.

 

Market Potential & Economic Value

Projects will be assessed on their potential for market entry, scalability, profitability, and ability to generate economic opportunities such as employment or investment.

 
ESG

Social, Environmental Impact & Sustainability

Ideas must show how they will improve livelihoods, promote sustainability, reduce food loss or pollution, and contribute to climate resilience and social inclusion.
team

Project Team

Teams will be evaluated on their operational capacity, relevant experience, technical skills, and commitment to diversity and gender equity. 

Organizer Messages

 

Vincent Martin

Director, Office of Innovation, FAO

 

"At the Global Agrifood Innovation Challenge (GAC), we've seen how youth-led ideas can ignite real, lasting change. We're calling on passionate young innovators, women leaders, and agripreneurs who are ready to shape the future of food and farming. Your voice and vision are essential to building inclusive, resilient agrifood systems. GAC is here to champion your potential offering mentorship, global exposure, and the tools to scale your solution. If you're developing a tech-driven innovation that tackles climate resilience, supply chain challenges, or nutritional security, now is your moment to step up and stand out. Don't delay- apply today and be part of the movement transforming agrifood systems worldwide."

 

WEI Longbao

Director, Institute of Food and Agribusiness Management,ZJU

 

 

"Dear startups, you are the most dynamic and creative vanguard force in the agricultural field! The wave of digital agriculture is sweeping across the world, and every innovative attempt you make is a powerful driving force for this wave to forge ahead. May you fully display your talents in this competition, bravely break through yourselves, light up the future of digital agriculture with the power of innovation, contribute unique value to the global agricultural development, and embark on a remarkable journey!"

Submission of Expression Interest (EOI)

Interested Companies that meet the eligibility criteria are required to complete and submit their response before the deadline: 7 June 2025, 24:00 CEST. If any doubts exist as to the time zone, please refer to Central European Summer Time.

 

FAO and ZJU reserve the right to change or cancel the requirement at any time during the innovation solutions solicitation process. FAO and ZJU also reserve the right to require compliance with additional conditions as and when issuing the seed funding.

Any additional questions about application should be submitted in writing to the contact person below:

 

Name of contact person at FAO:

Global AgriInno Challenge Secretariat; JIANG Lu; Fruit Tessema

Email address of contact person: global_agriinno_challenge@zju.edu.cn; lu.jiang@fao.org; fruit.tessema@fao.org