The World Food Forum Youth Initiative runs this annual global competition for applied research that can improve agrifood systems. It is for youth-led teams whose projects have already reached proof-of-concept or early-prototype validation at TRL 3–5.
Semifinalists complete a one-month remote capacity-development phase and prepare a Research-to-Impact dossier. Finalists nominate one representative to pitch at FAO headquarters in Rome in October 2026.
Benefits & funding
- Semifinalist teams receive one month of virtual masterclasses, scientific mentorship, expert office hours and technical guidance.
- Winning teams receive up to USD 10,000 to validate and refine their prototypes; the overall TRC winner receives an additional USD 10,000.
- Each finalist team nominates one representative for the Rome finals, with that representative’s travel and accommodation covered.
- Finalists also receive presentation training, a certificate, visibility and an opportunity to apply to the WFF Youth Food Lab.
Eligibility
- Applications are open worldwide to teams of three to five people; no nationality or residency restriction is published.
- Every team member must be aged 18–35 when the Proof of Concept is submitted.
- Every applicant must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in an agrifood-systems-related field.
- Projects must be applied, research-led and supported by a tested proof of concept or early prototype at TRL 3–5.
- A university or institute supervisor may participate outside the three-to-five-person team. FAO employees, specified relatives and people connected to participating institutions or judges are excluded under the official terms.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Education required
Bachelor · Master · PhD
Age requirement
18–35 yrs
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Application process
- 1Form a complete eligible team and select the published 2026 prize category that best matches the project.
- 2Prepare a three-page Proof of Concept covering the problem, prototype, existing evidence and validation objectives.
- 3Submit through the official application portal with all personal and educational details before the deadline.
- 4Eligible entries proceed through technical review; selected teams then complete capacity development, submit a Research-to-Impact dossier and may advance to the live final pitch.
Program timeline
Application deadline.
15 May 2026
Capacity development for selected teams.
May–June 2026
Research-to-Impact dossier and final output phase.
July–August 2026
TRC Finals at FAO headquarters in Rome.
October 2026