The Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge 2025 is now open for applications. Hosted by Welthungerhilfe (WHH) and funded by the Seeding The Future Foundation (STF), this prestigious annual competition supports bold, innovative, and scalable solutions that can transform the global food system to become more sustainable, resilient, and health-centered.

Since its launch in 2021, the Challenge has received more than 3,500 submissions from over 100 countries, representing universities, research institutions, non-profit organizations, and early-stage enterprises. The initiative awards up to $1 million annually to empower changemakers developing breakthrough innovations that benefit both people and the planet.

About the Challenge

The Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge aims to inspire impactful and transformative innovations addressing the critical challenges of today’s food systems. The program focuses on creating a future where everyone has access to safe, nutritious, and sustainable food produced within planetary boundaries.

The Challenge encourages interdisciplinary collaboration among scientists, entrepreneurs, researchers, NGOs, social enterprises, and innovators dedicated to rethinking how food is produced, distributed, and consumed.

Funding and Awards

Selected projects demonstrating high potential for impact, scalability, and innovation will receive up to US$25,000 in funding.
In total, the Challenge awards up to $1 million in grants and prizes each year across three award levels to support transformative food system solutions at various stages of development.

Focus Areas

Applicants should propose solutions that operate within the Innovation Focus Area, where three key domains intersect:

• Safe and Nutritious Food for a Healthy Diet
• Innovations ensuring universal access to healthy and safe diets.
• Sustainable and Regenerative Food Systems
• Solutions that reduce food waste and loss, promote circular systems, and protect natural resources.
• Equitable Access to Food
• Projects that make food affordable, appealing, and trusted for all.
• These focus areas fall within a broader Food Policy Framework, supporting both emerging and established food policy ecosystems.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include:

• Nonprofit organizations
• Academic and research institutions
• Early-stage U.S.-based for-profit companies
• Individual applicants are not eligible; however, teams of students, scientists, or researchers may apply through their institution.
  Cross-sector collaborations among academia, civil society, and industry are highly encouraged.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be legally registered entities capable of managing grant funding.
• Demonstrate the capacity to implement innovative solutions.
• Present projects that are scalable, practical, and measurable in their impact.

Why You Should Apply

• Access up to $25,000 in funding to scale your innovation.
• Gain international recognition from a globally respected program.
• Join a network of innovators and changemakers transforming global food systems.
• Contribute directly to sustainable development and food security goals.

Application Deadline

All applications must be submitted by 15 December 2025.
Early submissions are strongly encouraged to ensure timely review and consideration.

How to Apply

About Seeding The Future Foundation

The Seeding The Future Foundation supports innovations that drive progress toward sustainable, health-centered, and equitable food systems. In partnership with Welthungerhilfe, the Foundation funds projects that empower communities, promote healthy diets, and ensure environmental stewardship.

Join the Global Food Innovation Movement

If you are a scientist, engineer, entrepreneur, or researcher passionate about creating a sustainable food future, this is your opportunity to make a global impact.
Submit your application before 15 December 2025 and help transform the world’s food system.

Apply here: Application

For more information: Seeding the Future

For more opportunities: Opportunities for Youth