Search
Global Public Invited to Vote on Breakthrough Agricultural Innovations
The World Food Prize Foundation announced today the Top Ten agritech startups selected for its inaugural Innovate for Impact Challenge, a global competition recognizing scalable, science-based innovations advancing agricultural productivity and sustainability. The semi-finalists were selected from nearly 400 submissions spanning 65 countries across all hemispheres.
The Top Ten startups—representing eight countries and four continents—bring a diverse range of technical expertise, including biotechnology, digital agriculture, post-harvest innovation, soil and seed science, animal health and renewable energy solutions. Their selection underscores the geographic breadth and disciplinary depth of the Challenge, as well as the growing global momentum to advance food systems innovation.
“The Innovate for Impact Challenge embodies the mission of the World Food Prize Foundation: elevating bold ideas, amplifying global collaboration and accelerating solutions to end hunger,” said Mashal Husain, President, World Food Prize Foundation. “These Top Ten ventures are more than finalists; they are trailblazers shaping the future of food.”
Unveiled at the 2024 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue, the Innovate for Impact Challenge invites forward-thinking entrepreneurs from around the globe to present breakthrough technologies aimed at revolutionizing agriculture. This initiative aligns with the Foundation’s mission to elevate innovations and inspire action toward alleviating global hunger.
The top three finalists will be brought to the 2025 Borlaug Dialogue to pitch their agritech venture in a “Shark Tank-style” presentation to a panel of judges. The winner of the Challenge will receive a $50,000 prize. Second and third place will receive $10,000 and $5,000 respectively.
The public now has a chance to help decide which startup should take home the top prize. Each semi-finalist has created a short video showcasing their innovation—watch the videos and cast your vote for your favorite venture by August 14, 2025.
The Top Ten Are:
Afrikabal (Rwanda) is a blockchain-powered Agri-Fintech platform connecting African smallholder farmers directly to global buyers, enabling fair pricing, secure payments and transparent trade—boosting farmer incomes, financial inclusion and efficiency in Africa’s agricultural supply chains.
APOLO Biotech (Argentina) addresses the pressing challenges of climate change impact on agriculture and the need to reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides. They offer an innovative approach centered around RNA-based technologies, aiming to revolutionize sustainable agriculture practices.
Capsber Agriscience (India) is transforming farming with BiointelX™, a microbial platform that replaces chemical fertilizers by restoring soil health, boosting yields and enhancing climate resilience—empowering smallholder farmers through scalable, regenerative and nature-based solutions.
ClimaVault Africa (Uganda) is transforming post-harvest systems in Africa with solar-powered cold storage and plant-based coatings, reducing food loss, boosting farmer incomes and promoting climate resilience through affordable, off-grid and sustainable preservation solutions.
KiposTech (United States) combats airborne livestock diseases with a filterless, non-thermal plasma air disinfection system that eliminates over 90% of pathogens. Designed for real farm conditions, it boosts poultry health, reduces losses and enhances biosecurity.
Nimsy Agro Solar Concept (Nigeria) provides solar-powered agricultural equipment to help smallholder farmers in Nigeria boost productivity, reduce costs and cut emissions. Through rental and lease-to-own models, they offer clean, affordable and scalable farming solutions.
Pheronym (United States) offers climate-smart pest control using nematode-based pheromones to boost biocontrol, protect crops and restore soil health. Their eco-friendly, low-dose solutions reduce carbon emissions and replace synthetic pesticides for sustainable agriculture.
SEPOC (Mexico) enhances crop yields with a chemical-free seed treatment using electromagnetic fields to boost germination and pathogen resistance. Sustainable and scalable, it reduces chemical dependence while improving profitability, food security and environmental health.
Vet Konect (Nigeria) is a digital animal health platform using mobile technology and AI to connect livestock farmers across Africa with affordable, quality animal care—reducing disease, boosting productivity and promoting rural resilience at scale.
ZibaHarvest (Ghana) is an AgriTech venture tackling post-harvest food loss in Sub-Saharan Africa with solar-assisted cooling solutions. Its ZibaBox and ZibaVault extend crop shelf life; boost farmer income; and drive climate-smart, community-led transformation.
“Innovation is one of our greatest tools in the fight against hunger,” said Thomas Vilsack, CEO, World Food Prize Foundation. “By investing in visionary entrepreneurs who are redefining what’s possible in agriculture, we are helping to build a future where nutritious food is accessible, farming is sustainable, and communities everywhere can thrive.”