Global AgriInno Challenge 2026

The Global AgriInno Challenge (GAC) 2026 is now accepting applications from innovators worldwide working to transform agrifood systems in Small Island Developing States.

Jointly organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Zhejiang University, and Pinduoduo, this sixth edition of the competition places SIDS at the center of global agrifood innovation, regions that face some of the world's most pressing climate and food security challenges yet remain underserved by mainstream technology ecosystems.

GAC 2026 is open to agripreneurs and startups from any country, provided their solution directly addresses agrifood challenges facing SIDS or has been deployed within a SIDS context. Teams originating from or led by individuals from SIDS are strongly encouraged to apply.

Thirteen finalists will be selected through a competitive global screening process. Five of these spots are reserved for teams from the twelve SIDS countries participating in the FAO-China South-South Cooperation Project: Bahamas, Barbados, Cabo Verde, Comoros, Cook Islands, Fiji, Grenada, Maldives, São Tomé and Príncipe, Solomon Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vanuatu.

All finalists will travel to Hangzhou, China in August 2026 for an immersive week of expert workshops, investor matchmaking, and the Global Final Pitch before an international jury.

We are looking for solutions should address one or more of the following themes:

• Better Production — Innovations tackling limited arable land, fragmented supply chains, import dependency, and climate pressures on agriculture and fisheries
• Better Nutrition — Approaches to the double burden of malnutrition, including rising diet-related diseases and limited access to affordable, healthy food
• Better Environment — Technologies protecting vulnerable island ecosystems from climate change, biodiversity loss, and degradation
• Better Life — Solutions that foster inclusive rural development, address youth unemployment, and strengthen participation of young women

Applications are evaluated on three criteria: innovation, scalability, project team experience, and impact.

All thirteen finalists receive:

• Full travel, accommodation, and event expenses covered
• Two days of tailored co-creation workshops with leading agrifood experts
• Coaching from senior figures at the UN, research institutions, and private sector
• Investor matchmaking with venture capital funds and agrifood business leaders
• Visibility through FAO channels and inclusion in the GAC Alumni Network
• Opportunity to showcase at the FAO Science and Innovation Forum 2026 in Rome

Top-performing teams will receive seed funding and a dedicated space at the FAO Science and Innovation Forum 2026.

Applications are open from May 18 through June 20, 2026 via the FAO Science, Technology and Innovation Portal.

Eligibility requirements:

• Registered company or legal entity
• Less than $1 million in annual turnover
• Less than 5 years of operations
• Technology at readiness level 7–9 (post-MVP stage)
• At least one team leader under 35 years of age

About the Global AgriInno Challenge

Launched in 2020, GAC has received over 1,900 applications from 108 countries across five editions, building a global network of agrifood innovators, mentors, and institutions. The 2025 edition alone attracted 519 submissions from 97 countries.

GAC 2026 is anchored in FAO's commitment to leveraging digital public infrastructure to accelerate progress on SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).