Applications Open for the World Food Forum Transformative Research Challenge 2026

The World Food Forum is inviting young researchers from around the world to apply for the Transformative Research Challenge (TRC) 2026, a global competition supporting innovative solutions for the transformation of agrifood systems. 
Applications are open until 15 May 2026.

The challenge supports applied research projects that have already demonstrated an initial proof of concept and are ready to advance toward real-world piloting. Selected teams can receive up to USD 10 000 in research funding, as well as mentorship, capacity-building opportunities and international visibility. Finalists will also be invited to present their projects during the World Food Forum 2026 flagship event at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Rome in October 2026.

Prize categories for this edition include: 
- Forest Monitoring Innovation Prize 
- Leveraging Public Data to Fight Hunger 
- Unlocking Native Crops for Innovation in Protein Diversification 
- Youth-led Research for Forest Restoration 
- Innovations for One Health-Driven Rural Transformation Prize 

More information and applications are available at: World Food Forum | Transformative Research Challenge