The Global AgriInno Challenge 2025 is a collaborative initiative organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Zhejiang University (ZJU) aimed at mobilizing youth innovators and agri-tech entrepreneurs to drive innovation in sustainable agrifood systems. The competition seeks to spotlight and scale digital innovations that enhance climate resilience, supply chain efficiency, and nutritional security, aligning closely with Sustainable Development Goals 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), and 10 (Reduced Inequalities). It serves as a platform to advance practical, inclusive solutions that are locally relevant and globally impactful.
The core theme for 2025 focuses on “Harnessing emerging technologies and Digital Public Infrastructure for sustainable agrifood systems.” This includes driving technological development and co-creation of solutions that address agrifood challenges through inclusivity and sustainability. The challenge encourages applicants to develop solutions that are accessible to smallholder farmers and marginalized communities, aiming to bridge digital, gender, and rural divides.
Winners of the competition will benefit from a wide range of opportunities, including mentorship from experts across UN agencies, the private sector, and academia. They will also receive expert coaching and participate in a 48-hour global co-creation bootcamp. The top teams will receive seed funding of up to $30,000 and will be invited to present their solutions at the Science and Innovation Forum hosted in Rome in October 2025. Finalists will have all travel-related expenses covered for participation in events held in China.
Evaluation criteria include innovation, market potential, social and environmental impact, and team capacity. Projects must offer original applications of emerging technologies with potential for market entry and scalability. Teams should demonstrate strong technical capabilities, operational capacity, and a commitment to diversity and gender equity.
Eligible participants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) by the deadline of June 7, 2025, at 24:00 CEST. FAO and ZJU reserve the right to make changes to the process and may impose additional requirements during seed funding distribution. For further inquiries, applicants are advised to contact the Global AgriInno Challenge Secretariat or designated contact persons via the provided email addresses.
