WFF Transformative Research Challenge 2025 | Win $10,000 & Pitch at FAO Rome

WFF Transformative Research Challenge 2025: Empowering Youth to Revolutionize Agrifood Systems

Are you a young researcher with a bold idea to improve global agrifood systems? The Transformative Research Challenge (TRC), organized by the World Food Forum (WFF), is your opportunity to bring that idea to life on a global stage. This exciting challenge empowers youth to develop innovative, actionable solutions for the most pressing issues in agriculture and food systems today.

Launched in 2021, the TRC is a global platform supported by the WFF Youth Innovation Lab, in collaboration with major international organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The challenge has partnered with 18 renowned institutions—including Wageningen University & Research (WUR), IFAD, EIT Food, and CGIAR—and has provided over $500,000 in funding and support to youth-led research initiatives worldwide.

What Is the TRC All About?

The TRC helps young minds turn their early-stage research ideas into real-world impact. Through this challenge, participants receive support to develop concept notes into detailed research proposals aimed at transforming global food systems. Finalists are invited to present their work at the WFF flagship event at FAO headquarters in Rome, gaining global exposure and expert feedback.

Four-Phase Competition Process

Phase 1: Open Call for Applications

Submit a concise, two-page concept note outlining your innovative research idea under one of four prize categories.

Phase 2: Evaluation

Experts review all submissions and select the most promising and innovative ideas as semi-finalists.

Phase 3: Capacity Building

Semi-finalists undergo a month-long training journey with masterclasses and mentorship to help them refine their proposals.

Phase 4: Final Presentations

Finalists pitch their enhanced research projects at the WFF event in Rome, streamed globally via platforms like UN Web TV.

What’s in It for You?

Research Funding

Winners can receive up to USD 10,000 in research support, with an additional USD 10,000 awarded to the overall winner from among all category champions.

Global Visibility

Finalists are showcased through WFF’s digital channels, putting their work in front of a worldwide audience of innovators, policy-makers, and professionals.

Networking Opportunities

Participants connect with peers, experts, and representatives from leading organizations across the public and private sectors.

Professional Development

Semi-finalists benefit from mentorship and training designed to enhance their research and communication skills.

Invitation to FAO Headquarters

Finalist teams are invited to Rome in October 2025 to pitch their ideas before a distinguished panel of judges and a live global audience.

Continued Support After the Event

Finalists may apply to the WFF Youth Food Lab incubator and could receive additional resources to implement their ideas.

Eligibility Criteria

Age Requirement: Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of their initial submission.
Team Composition: Individuals or teams of up to four members can apply. Each entrant may participate in only one team/application.
Global Participation: The challenge is open to participants from all countries, promoting diverse perspectives in addressing agrifood system challenges.
Affiliation: Applicants should be young researchers, including students, early-career professionals, or individuals with a strong interest in agrifood systems innovation.
Exclusions: Employees of the World Food Forum (WFF) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), including their immediate family members, are not eligible to participate.

Application Deadline

Submit your two-page concept note by 9 May 2025 at 24:00 (PDT).

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Scholarship at Uniplus Global to apply