The World Food Forum is calling on the next generation of scientists to help reshape the future of global agrifood systems through its 2026 Transformative Research Challenge (TRC).
This global competition aims to empower young researchers to take their lab-tested ideas and turn them into scalable, real-world solutions.
Unlike purely academic exercises, the TRC focuses on projects that already have a proof of concept and are ready for validation and readiness testing.
It bridges the gap between early-stage experimentation and actual field piloting through a structured pathway of support.
Funding and benefits
Successful teams stand to gain significant financial backing, with winning groups receiving up to USD 10,000 to further refine their prototypes.
An additional USD 10,000 is awarded to an overall winner chosen from the various prize categories.
Beyond funding, semi-finalists receive a month of intensive capacity development, including expert-led masterclasses and scientific mentorship.
Finalists also earn a trip to Rome, Italy, to pitch their research live at the FAO headquarters during the WFF flagship event in October 2026.
This year’s challenge features specialized tracks, including prizes for leveraging public data to fight hunger, forest restoration, and unlocking native crops for protein diversification.
These categories are co-hosted by leading global organizations like the FAO and various research institutes.
Application requirements and eligibility
To be eligible, teams must be youth-led, with members aged between 18 and 35. Applicants should possess the relevant technical or research expertise required to execute their proposed project.
Projects must be research-led and fall within Technology Readiness Levels 3 to 5, meaning they have already been validated in lab or controlled conditions.
The TRC specifically avoids purely theoretical work or projects that have already reached commercial scaling.
Deadline
The open call for applications runs from March to April 2026. Interested teams must submit a three-page proof of concept that summarizes their problem, prototype, existing evidence, and validation objectives.
To apply, visit The World Food Forum call page. Visit our global opportunity page for more.
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