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The World Food Prize Foundation today announced the Top Three Finalists for the inaugural Innovate for Impact Challenge: APOLO Biotech, Capsber Agriscience and Vet Konect.
"These finalists embody the spirit of innovation needed to confront the urgent challenges of food security and climate resilience,” said Mashal Husain, President, World Food Prize Foundation. “By bringing forward solutions that are both scalable and sustainable, they demonstrate the power of science and entrepreneurship to transform agriculture for farmers everywhere."
These three standout Agritech startups are redefining what’s possible in the fight against hunger and delivering real solutions to some of the toughest barriers to global food security—reaching even the smallest and most remote producers.
Selected from nearly 400 applicants across 65 countries, the finalists represent transformative, scalable ideas with the potential for worldwide impact:
APOLO Biotech | Argentina
APOLO Biotech 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.
“Being selected as a finalist in the Innovate for Impact Challenge is a true honor,” said Matías Badano, CEO, APOLO Biotech. “RNA technology is transforming agriculture, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional pesticides. At APOLO Biotech, we are proud to be at the forefront of this revolution, developing RNA-based solutions to build a more resilient and sustainable food system.”
Capsber Agricscience | India
Capsber Agriscience is transforming farming with its BiointelX™ microbiome platform, replacing chemical fertilizers with soil-native microbes that boost yields, restore soil health and cut emissions. Already reaching 150,000+ smallholder farmers, Capsber delivers scalable, regenerative solutions that enhance food security, climate resilience and sustainability across diverse crops and regions.
“Being selected as a finalist in the Innovate for Impact Challenge is a prestigious recognition of Capsber’s farmer-first innovation journey.,” said Manoj Kumar Rupa, co-founder and managing director of Capsber. “It inspires us to scale our sustainable biological solutions globally, creating lasting impact for farmers and the planet. This recognition is a strong testament to our work and mission.”
Vet Konect | Nigeria
Vet Konect is a digital animal health platform connecting livestock farmers across Africa to qualified professionals via mobile and AI tools. By improving access to care, reducing antibiotic misuse and boosting productivity, it has reached 150,000 farmers in eight countries, tackling animal health, food security and antimicrobial resistance.
“Last year, I stood on the stage in front of thousands at the Borlaug Dialogue as a Top Agri-food Pioneer,” said Terese Shadrach Akpem, founder of Vet Konect. “To see that exactly one year later, I will be there again to tell the story of my work in reimagining animal care for millions of livestock farmers across Africa through the Innovate for Impact Challenge is the honour of my life. This moment serves as a strong validation of the importance of the work I am doing, which I am deeply grateful for.”
The finalists will be brought to the 2025 Norman E. Borlaug International 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 Innovate for Impact Challenge attracted transformative startups all over the world, underscoring the global drive to create a more secure and sustainable food future,” said Thomas Vilsack, CEO, World Food Prize Foundation. “These three remarkable startups represent bold thinking and real-world impact, and we are proud to spotlight their contributions on the world stage."
The live pitch event will take place on the evening of Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the Iowa Events Center during the Borlaug Dialogue.
If you are interested in attending the Innovate for Impact Challenge pitch event, click here to purchase your ticket.
For details on the Borlaug Dialogue and to register for the 3-day conference, click here.