World Food Forum (WFF) Transformative Research Challenge 2026 (With up to $10,000 in Funding)

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About WFF Transformative Research Challenge

The WFF Transformative Research Challenge (TRC) is a global competition that empowers teams of young researchers to advance applied research toward real-world agrifood solutions. The TRC is designed for projects that have already demonstrated an initial proof of concept, through lab tests, controlled experiments or small-scale validation and that are looking to further strengthen evidence, refine their solution and prepare for real-world piloting.

• Sponsor Organisation: World Food Forum (WFF)

Benefits of WFF Transformative Research Challenge

• Research funding

 Winning teams receive up to USD 10 000 to further validate and refine their prototype. One overall winner across the four TRC prize categories will receive an additional USD 10 000.

• Scientific mentorship and capacity development

Teams receive targeted support from experts to strengthen evidence, feasibility and readiness for piloting.

• Global visibility

Finalist teams are featured across WFF Youth Initiative social media platforms and website, showcasing their work to a global audience of experts and partners.

• Networking and collaboration

Participants join a global community of young innovators, researchers and agrifood professionals.

• TRC Finals at the WFF flagship event

Finalist teams present their Research-to-Impact dossiers and prototypes at the TRC Finals in October during the World Food Forum flagship event at FAO headquarters in Rome, with live global streaming.

• Pathway to the Youth Food Lab

TRC finalists are invited to apply to the WFF Youth Food Lab supporting the transition from validation to field piloting and scaling.

 

 

 

WFF Transformative Research Challenge Requirements

Your project is a good fit if it is:

• Youth-led (ages 18–35), with relevant technical or research expertise;
• Applied and research-led, with a tested proof of concept;
• Lab-tested or validated in controlled conditions (Technology Readiness Levels: 3-5);
• Evidence-based, with data, observations or test results; and
• Scientifically sound, with a clear methodology and measurable objectives.

Projects that may not make the cut:

• Purely theoretical or academic, with no testing or early results;
• A policy proposal or advocacy initiative without a technical prototype;
• An awareness or outreach campaign without applied research; or
• Already field-tested and scaling (advanced pilots or commercialization).

Application Date and Process

• Click on the link to the application website to apply.

Application Deadline

09 May, 2026

Opportunity Application

View details of WFF Transformative Research Challenge

Apply for WFF Transformative Research Challenge