FAO Global AgriInno Challenge 2025

Omran Aburayya
6 days ago
2 min read

If you're a young innovator or startup team passionate about transforming food systems through technology, the FAO Global AgriInno Challenge 2025 offers a unique opportunity to scale your ideas on a global stage. Organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and Zhejiang University (ZJU), this challenge invites youth-led teams to develop digital solutions that enhance climate resilience, supply chain efficiency, and nutritional security in agrifood systems.

🌱Global AgriInno Challenge Summary

Location: Hangzhou, China (Final Pitch Event); Rome, Italy (FAO Science and Innovation Forum)
Organizers: FAO and Zhejiang University
Target Group: Youth-led teams (team leader under 35 years old)
Fields of Focus: Agrifood systems, digital innovation, emerging technologies, climate resilience, supply chain efficiency, nutritional security
Award Value: Up to $30,000 in seed funding; all travel, visa, lodging, and meals covered for finalists
Application Deadline: June 7, 2025, 24:00 CEST
Program Start Date: August 27–29, 2025 (Final Pitch Event in Hangzhou)
Eligibility: Youth-led teams with innovative digital solutions for sustainable agrifood systems

🌍 Challenge Overview

The Global AgriInno Challenge 2025 focuses on "Harnessing Emerging Technologies and Digital Public Infrastructure for Sustainable Agrifood Systems." The initiative aims to advance inclusive, sustainable innovation aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). By fostering collaboration and scaling impactful innovations, the challenge seeks to bridge digital, gender, and rural divides.

🎁 Participant Benefits

Mentorship: 48-hour co-creation bootcamp with global mentors; expert coaching from UN agencies, investors, and private sector leaders
Seed Funding: Up to $30,000 for winning teams
Global Exposure: Opportunity to pitch innovations at the FAO Science and Innovation Forum in Rome, October 2025
Networking: Access to the Global AgriInno Challenge alumni network; build relationships with agencies, venture capitalists, industry leaders, and fellow innovators
Travel Support: All travel, visa, lodging, and meals covered for finalists attending the event in China

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Be part of a youth-led team, with the team leader under 35 years old
Have a registered entity with under USD 1 million turnover and less than 5 years in operation
Develop digital solutions that are practical, inclusive, and locally relevant to agrifood systems
Demonstrate strong alignment with the challenge theme, offering original use of emerging technologies
Ensure accessibility and inclusivity for smallholder farmers and marginalized groups

📝 Application Procedure

Interested teams should:

Prepare a detailed proposal outlining their innovative solution, including its impact on climate resilience, supply chain efficiency, and nutritional security.
Submit the proposal online through the official application portal: Global AgriInno Challenge 2025 Application
Ensure all application materials are submitted by the deadline: June 7, 2025, 24:00 CEST

ℹ️ For additional information or inquiries, contact: