The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has announced the launch of the Global AgriInno Challenge 2025, a global competition aimed at empowering youth innovators and startups to transform the future of agriculture. The challenge is organised in partnership with Zhejiang University (ZJU).
Theme for 2025
This year’s challenge will focus on “Harnessing Emerging Technologies and Digital Public Infrastructure for Sustainable Agrifood Systems: Advancing Climate Resilience, Supply Chain Efficiency, and Nutritional Security.”
Benefits of Participating
Participants stand to gain:
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Guidance from industry experts.
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Up to $30,000 in funding for successful teams.
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Global visibility for innovative solutions.
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Access to the Global AgriInno Challenge alumni community.
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Build relationships with businesses, venture capitalists, industry leaders, and fellow innovators.
Eligibility Requirements
The challenge is open to:
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Individuals aged 18 to 35 and startup teams.
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Innovators with solutions for smallholder farmers and marginalised communities.
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Anyone with a technology-driven idea that can revolutionise food systems and farming.
- Women-led teams are particularly encouraged to apply.
Evaluation Criteria
Applicants will be assessed based on:
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Innovative Potential – Novelty and creativity of the solution.
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Market Potential & Economic Value – Scalability and commercial viability.
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Social, Environmental Impact & Sustainability – Ability to create positive and lasting change.
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Team Capability – Relevant expertise, technical skills, and commitment to diversity and gender equity.
Interested candidates can submit their applications through the official FAO website by June 7, 2025
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), in partnership with Zhejiang University, has launched the Global AgriInno Challenge 2025. This global competition is designed to empower youth innovators and startups to revolutionize agriculture. The theme for 2025 focuses on utilizing emerging technologies and digital public infrastructure to promote sustainable agrifood systems, enhancing climate resilience, supply chain efficiency, and nutritional security.
Participants in the challenge can benefit from guidance from industry experts, funding of up to $30,000 for successful teams, global visibility for their solutions, access to the Global AgriInno Challenge alumni community, and opportunities to build relationships with businesses, venture capitalists, and industry leaders.
Eligibility criteria for the challenge include individuals aged 18 to 35, startup teams, innovators with solutions for smallholder farmers and marginalized communities, and those with technology-driven ideas for transforming food systems. Women-led teams are especially encouraged to apply. Evaluation will be based on innovative potential, market and economic value, social and environmental impact, and team capability.
Applications must be submitted through the official FAO website by June 7, 2025.
