The WFF Startup Innovation Awards, powered by Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC) are a global startup competition established to support and showcase innovators and entrepreneurs who are harnessing the power of technology to drive the sustainable transformation of agrifood systems in support of ending global hunger and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Made possible through a strategic partnership with XTC, the world’s largest startup competition for entrepreneurs addressing global challenges, these awards aim to elevate the next generation of entrepreneurs who are creating new technologies and innovations to benefit our planet and the agrifood systems we need to thrive.
Agrifood systems specialists, innovators and entrepreneurs from around the globe have volunteered to become experts and judges for the WFF Startup Innovation Awards.
The World Food Forum (WFF) Startup Innovation Award is a prestigious recognition aimed at highlighting and supporting innovative startups that are making significant contributions to the global food and agriculture sectors. Organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, this award seeks to identify and promote groundbreaking solutions that address key challenges such as food security, sustainability, and nutrition. By shining a spotlight on emerging entrepreneurs and their inventive approaches, the WFF Startup Innovation Award fosters innovation and encourages the development of scalable solutions that can have a meaningful impact on the world’s food systems.
Startups eligible for the WFF Startup Innovation Award are typically in the early stages of development and must demonstrate a clear potential to transform the food and agriculture landscape. The selection criteria focus on innovation, sustainability, scalability, and the ability to address pressing global issues related to food systems. Applicants undergo a rigorous evaluation process, which includes detailed assessments of their business models, technological advancements, and the social and environmental impact of their solutions.
Winners of the WFF Startup Innovation Award receive not only recognition on a global stage but also access to a range of benefits designed to accelerate their growth and impact. These benefits often include financial support, mentorship from industry experts, networking opportunities with potential investors and partners, and visibility within the FAO’s extensive global network. By providing these resources, the award aims to help startups overcome common challenges and scale their innovations to achieve greater reach and effectiveness.
The award also plays a crucial role in inspiring and mobilizing the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. By celebrating and supporting successful startups, the WFF Startup Innovation Award showcases the potential of entrepreneurial solutions to tackle complex global issues and encourages others to pursue similar paths. This emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship is vital for driving progress towards more resilient and sustainable food systems.
The World Food Forum Startup Innovation Award is a significant initiative that supports and promotes innovative startups in the food and agriculture sectors. Through recognition, financial support, mentorship, and networking opportunities, the award helps startups scale their solutions and make a greater impact on global food systems. By fostering innovation and celebrating entrepreneurial success, the WFF Startup Innovation Award contributes to the advancement of sustainable and resilient food systems worldwide.
Benefits
The WFF Startup Innovation Awards will provide the finalists travel allowance to the finals during the flagship event in Rome, global visibility, the chance to raise capital, network with global entities (governments, United Nations agencies, corporations, investors, partners), the chance to join WFF startup accelerator programmes to scale up their innovative solutions and technological breakthroughs, and a total of USD 30 000 in prizes.
Requirements For The World Food Forum (WFF) Startup Innovation Award
The competition is open to startups whose work impacts the four categories explained below:
- Digital Innovation in Food Processing
- Empowering Women in Agrifood Systems
- Food Loss
- Good Food for All, for Today and Tomorrow
Selection Process
Timeline
- 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.
Method of Application
Visit The Official Website to Apply
Application Deadline: June 8, 2024.
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