$1 Million Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge Now Open for Submissions
Bonn, Germany – October 15, 2025 – Global innovators are invited to apply for the Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge (GFSC), hosted by Welthungerhilfe (WHH) and funded by the Seeding The Future Foundation (STF). The Challenge seeks high potential, scalable ideas that can transform food systems globally to be more nutritious, sustainable, and equitable, particularly in the Global South.
Scientists, entrepreneurs, civil society groups, research institutions, start-ups, and social enterprises can submit innovations ranging from prototypes to proven concepts. A total of up to $1 million USD will be awarded:
- Seed Grants: 8 awards of $25,000 each for early-stage innovations with strong impact potential.
- Growth Grants: 3 awards of $100,000 each for promising, economically viable innovations.
- Seeding The Future Grand Prizes: 2 awards of $250,000 each for proven innovations with transformative impact potential.
Becoming part of a Global Innovation Network
Semi-finalists and above will be eligible to join the STF Global Food System Innovation Database and Network, an interactive platform featuring over 650 high-impact innovations. This database, powered by WHH, serves as a trusted resource for policymakers, investors and practitioners working toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
As part of the FAO Science and Innovation Week and World Food Forum in Rome, STF and WHH will announce the opening of the Challenge.
Submission Details
Applications are open October 15 – December 15, 2025,
Keywords
Contacts
Simone Pott
Head of Communications
Landline +49 (0)228-2288-132
Mobile: +49 (0)172-2525962
simone.pott@welthungerhilfe.de
About Seeding The Future Foundation
STF is a private nonprofit dedicated to ensuring equitable access to safe, nutritious, affordable, and trusted food. It supports innovations that transform food systems and benefit both people and planet. More at www.seedingthefuture.org.
About Welthungerhilfe
WHH is one of Germany’s largest private aid organizations, striving for a world without hunger since 1962. More at www.welthungerhilfe.org.
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Seeding The Future Foundation, Institute of Food Technologists, and Welthungerhilfe Announce Evolution of the Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge2.9.2025 15:54:36 EEST | Press release
[Plymouth, Minnesota; Chicago, Illinois; Bonn, Germany], 09/02/2025 — The Seeding The Future Foundation (STF), the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), and Welthungerhilfe (WHH) today announced the next chapter of the Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge (GFSC). With the conclusion of its fourth cycle, operations will transition from IFT to WHH, an international leader in food systems transformation and the fight against hunger in the Global South. Launched by STF in 2021 and hosted by IFT, the Challenge has become a premier platform for advancing breakthrough innovations. Over four years, it has drawn more than 4,000 applications from 97 countries, awarding $1 million annually to visionary teams tackling urgent food system challenges. The program has accelerated solutions that improve food security, reduce environmental impact, and build resilience in vulnerable communities. “We are incredibly proud of what the Challenge has achieved and the vital role we played in helpin
Seeding The Future Foundation, Institute of Food Technologists, and Welthungerhilfe Announce Evolution of the Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge2.9.2025 14:48:02 EEST | Press release
[Plymouth, Minnesota; Chicago, Illinois; Bonn, Germany], 09/02/2025 — The Seeding The Future Foundation (STF), the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), and Welthungerhilfe (WHH) today announced the next chapter of the Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge (GFSC). With the conclusion of its fourth cycle, operations will transition from IFT to WHH, an international leader in food systems transformation and the fight against hunger in the Global South. Launched by STF in 2021 and hosted by IFT, the Challenge has become a premier platform for advancing breakthrough innovations. Over four years, it has drawn more than 4,000 applications from 97 countries, awarding $1 million annually to visionary teams tackling urgent food system challenges. The program has accelerated solutions that improve food security, reduce environmental impact, and build resilience in vulnerable communities. “We are incredibly proud of what the Challenge has achieved and the vital role we played in helpin