World Food Forum (WFF) Transformative Research Challenge 2026 for Young Researchers (USD 10,000 in Research Funding)

Application Deadline: Ongoing

About the Challenge

Applications are now open for the 2026 World Food Forum (WFF) Transformative Research Challenge (TRC). The 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. The World Food Forum is a global movement led by young people to transform agrifood systems and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Transformative Research Challenge is one of its flagship initiatives, recognizing that research and innovation are essential to addressing the complex challenges facing food systems from climate change and biodiversity loss to hunger and malnutrition. Semi-finalist teams receive scientific mentorship, practical masterclasses, and expert feedback to help move their work from “it works” to “it is ready to pilot.” Teams are supported to produce a Research-to-Impact proposal that documents their progress and outlines a realistic pathway toward piloting through the Youth Food Lab (YFL) or other innovation pathways. Finalists are given the unique opportunity to pitch their research during the WFF flagship event in October 2026 at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

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
• Scientifically sound, with a clear methodology and measurable objectives

Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 3-5 explained:

• TRL 3: Experimental proof of concept – the technology has been validated in a laboratory environment
• TRL 4: Technology validated in a lab setting – components are tested together in a controlled environment
• TRL 5: Technology validated in a relevant environment – testing in a simulated or small-scale real-world setting

Projects at earlier stages (idea only) or later stages (already piloted at scale) are not eligible for this challenge.

Benefits

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
• Structured program combining expert-led masterclasses, scientific mentorship, and practical guidance on data, validation, feasibility, and impact

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

Transformative Research Challenge (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, Italy, 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

Why This Challenge Matters

The world’s agrifood systems are under unprecedented pressure. Climate change, conflict, economic shocks, and environmental degradation are making it harder to produce and access nutritious food. Young researchers are developing innovative solutions from climate-resilient crops to digital tools for smallholder farmers but many struggle to move their research from the lab to the field.

The Transformative Research Challenge bridges this gap by:

• Funding further validation – Providing resources to strengthen evidence and refine prototypes
• Offering expert mentorship – Connecting young researchers with experienced scientists and practitioners
• Creating a pathway to piloting – Through the Youth Food Lab and other innovation pathways
• Providing global visibility – Showcasing research at FAO headquarters in Rome
• Building a community – Connecting young innovators from around the world

For young researchers with a tested proof of concept, this challenge offers a unique opportunity to accelerate their work, gain international recognition, and contribute to building a more sustainable and equitable food future.

How the Transformative Research Challenge (TRC) Works (2026 Timeline)

March–April 2026: Open Call for Applications

• Teams submit a 3-page proof of concept summarizing the problem, prototype, existing evidence, and validation objectives

April 2026: Evaluation

• Applications are evaluated on innovation, technical rigor, feasibility, scalability, and impact potential

May–June 2026: Capacity Development

• Selected teams join a structured program combining expert-led masterclasses, scientific mentorship, and practical guidance on data, validation, feasibility, and impact

July–August 2026: Final Output

• Teams submit a Research-to-Impact dossier outlining results, refinements, risks, and pathways to piloting

October 2026: TRC Finals at WFF Flagship Event

• Finalist teams present their research at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are evaluated on:

• Innovation – Novelty and creativity of the solution
• Technical rigor – Soundness of the methodology and scientific approach
• Feasibility – Realistic plan for further validation and refinement
• Scalability – Potential to be scaled or replicated in other contexts
• Impact potential – Likelihood of contributing to agrifood system transformation

How to Apply

Click on the link to the application website to apply.

Application Link: Click here to Apply now

Application Requirements:

• Team information (all members aged 18–35)
• 3-page proof of concept document covering:
• The problem being addressed
• The prototype or solution
• Existing evidence and validation results
• Validation objectives for the next phase
• Relevant technical and research expertise of team members

For More Information: Visit the Official Webpage of the World Food Forum Transformative Research Challenge