About

The Global AgriInno Challenge 2025 is now open for applications! Organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Zhejiang University (ZJU), this flagship innovation competition empowers young agripreneurs to scale sustainable digital solutions that advance climate resilience, supply chain efficiency, and nutritional security.

They'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. 

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

Theme

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

Aims

• Through this initiative, they 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, they bridge the digital, gender, and rural divides.

Benefits

• Mentorship

  • 48-hour co-creation bootcamp with global mentors

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

• Seed Funding

  • Chance to showcase your solution on a global stage

  • Up to 30k dollars Seed funding for winning teams

• Recognition

  • Chance to showcase your solution on a global stage

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

• Networking

  • Access to the Global AgriInno Challenge alumni network

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

Selection Criteria

• 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.             

• 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.

• Project Team

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

Eligibility

• Youth-led teams (<35 years)

• Registered entities with under USD 1M turnover and less than 5 years

• Inclusive of women agripreneurs encouraged

Post Date: May 09, 2025