Applications are currenly being accepted for the World Food Forum Startup Innovation Awards 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
About World Food Forum Startup Innovation Awards
The WFF Startup Innovation Awards (SIA), powered by MassChallenge Switzerland, is a global platform to spotlight and elevate young entrepreneurs using technology to transform agrifood systems, end global hunger and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through its strategic collaboration with MassChallenge Switzerland, selected startups gain exclusive access to the MassChallenge Switzerland Accelerator in Lausanne, unlocking world-class mentorship, networks and growth opportunities.
Benefits of World Food Forum Startup Innovation Awards
- Award winners will receive at least USD 7 500 per category, with USD 2 500 awarded to runners-up. The overall Startup Innovation Awards winner will receive an additional USD 10 000. Selected startups will be invited to the MassChallenge Switzerland Accelerator Programme, benefiting from world class mentoring, tailored and comprehensive curriculum of lectures and workshops, market guidance and access to MC's global corporate partners.
- Travel support will be provided for two finalist teams per award category to attend the WFF flagship event in Rome, Italy. Extensive visibility and promotional opportunities will be supported via WFF Youth Initiative social media platforms and website.
World Food Forum Startup Innovation Awards Requirements
- Startups must be youth-led, with at least one founder or C-level executive between 18 and 35 years old at the time of application;
- Startup representatives who pitch during the online pitching sessions, participate in the MassChallenge, Switzerland accelerator programme and present at the 2026 WFF flagship event in Rome, must be 35 years old or younger at the time of the event;
- Startups should have less than USD 2 million capital raised and generated less than USD 2 million in sales;
- Applicants must demonstrate validated evidence of their digital food processing solution, such as pilots, early adoption by processors or value-chain actors, partnerships or measurable operational or impact results;
- Startups must be able to demonstrate the scalability of their solution and its potential for growth; and
- Solutions should show a clear, measurable contribution to more efficient and sustainable agrifood systems.
Application Date and Process
- Click on the link to the application website to apply.
Application Deadline
01 April, 2026
Opportunity Application
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World Food Forum Startup Innovation Awards
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