Competitive “Shark Tank-style” Pitches will Provide AgTech Startups with Opportunity to Accelerate their Global Food Security Solutions

Des Moines, Iowa (October 30, 2024) – The World Food Prize Foundation, in collaboration with America’s Cultivation Corridor, is excited to announce the launch of the Innovate for Impact Challenge, a groundbreaking initiative designed to accelerate innovation in agricultural technology (AgTech). The Challenge is aimed at identifying and supporting early-stage, tech-driven startups whose solutions hold the potential to revolutionize agriculture and address the most pressing issues of global food security.

Launched at the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue, the Innovate for Impact Challenge invites visionary entrepreneurs to present breakthrough technologies that can improve agricultural productivity and sustainability. Startups from across the globe are encouraged to apply, with special attention to those aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Foundation’s mission to combat hunger.

During the 2025 Borlaug Dialogue, the top three finalists of the Innovate for Impact Challenge will have the unique opportunity to pitch their groundbreaking AgTech solutions live on stage in front of a global audience of industry leaders, investors, and policymakers. This high-stakes event will showcase their innovative technologies, offering unparalleled visibility and the chance to secure critical support. Following the presentations, the judges will announce the winners, with the top startup receiving a $50,000 prize to accelerate their impact on global food security.

Eligible Companies

The Challenge is open to for-profit startups that are in their early stages—from validated concepts to pre-Series A funding. At least one founder must be working full-time on the project. Companies will be judged on their innovation impact, market potential, contribution to sustainability, performance, scalability, and replicability—criteria that underscore the World Food Prize Foundation’s commitment to supporting transformative solutions.

Prizes and Recognition

The three most promising startups will be awarded financial support, with $50,000 for first place, $10,000 for second place, and $5,000 for third place. The winners will present their solutions at the 2025 Borlaug Dialogue, offering them global visibility and the opportunity to connect with thought leaders, investors and policymakers.

Judging Panel

The World Food Prize Foundation is honored to announce two of the five esteemed judges for the Innovate for Impact Challenge:

• Han Chen, an expert in sustainable innovation and technology, brings years of experience driving change in AgTech and food systems.
• Lazarus Lynch, author, chef and two-time champion of Food Network’s “Chopped,” is known for his passion for food equity and advocacy for diverse, inclusive solutions to food security challenges.

These judges will help select the top 10 finalists, with the final round taking place at the 2025 Borlaug Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa. The finalists will have the chance to present their innovations to a global audience and compete for the coveted top prizes.

Application Process

The Innovate for Impact Challenge will begin accepting applications in February 2025, with submissions closing in April 2025. Finalists will be announced in June, and the top three will be invited to Des Moines for the final competition in October 2025.

“Innovation is the key to solving today’s agricultural challenges and securing a sustainable future for global food systems,” said Mashal Husain, Chief Operating Officer, World Food Prize Foundation. “By empowering startups to break new ground, we are cultivating the next generation of visionaries who will help feed the world and protect our planet.”

About the World Food Prize: The World Food Prize is an international award that honors individuals who have improved the quality, quantity or availability of food worldwide. The Prize was founded by Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, recipient of the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize, for his work that contributed to increases in agricultural outputs which was termed the Green Revolution. Since then, the Prize has been awarded to 53 distinguished individuals during the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue. The Dialogue, also known as the Borlaug Dialogue, is a week of events dedicated to an issue surrounding food insecurity or hunger each year.

About America’s Cultivation Corridor: Focused on further developing and marketing the world-renowned agricultural and bioscience economy in Iowa, America’s Cultivation Corridor is building on a rich history of innovation to accelerate value-added agriculture business development by attracting companies, talent and capital from across the globe to the state. Representing a diverse public-private coalition of stakeholders including Iowa State University, Greater Des Moines Partnership, Ames Regional Economic Alliance, nonprofits and private sector companies from across the region and state, the Cultivation Corridor is one of the nation’s foremost cluster-based economic development organizations. For more information, visit CultivationCorridor.org.

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