WFF Transformative Research Challenge 2026

The WFF Transformative Research Challenge (TRC) is a global competition that empowers teams of young researchers to advance applied research toward real-world agrifood solutions. It is designed for projects that have already demonstrated an initial proof of concept through lab tests, controlled experiments, or small-scale validation. The challenge aims to further strengthen evidence, refine solutions, and prepare for real-world piloting.

📖 About WFF Transformative Research Challenge

• Sponsor Organisation: World Food Forum (WFF)

The TRC is an opportunity for youth-led teams to showcase their innovative research and contribute to solving agrifood challenges globally.

🎁 Benefits of WFF Transformative Research Challenge

Winning teams will enjoy the following benefits:

Research Funding

• Teams receive up to USD 10,000 to validate and refine their prototype.
• One overall winner across the four TRC prize categories will receive an additional USD 10,000.

Scientific Mentorship and Capacity Development

• Targeted support from experts to strengthen evidence, feasibility, and readiness for piloting.

Global Visibility

• Finalist teams are featured across WFF Youth Initiative social media platforms and website, showcasing their work to a global audience of experts and partners.

Networking and Collaboration

• Participants join a global community of young innovators, researchers, and agrifood professionals.

TRC Finals at the WFF Flagship Event

• Finalist teams present their Research-to-Impact dossiers and prototypes at the TRC Finals in October during the World Food Forum flagship event at FAO headquarters in Rome, with live global streaming.

Pathway to the Youth Food Lab

• TRC finalists are invited to apply to the WFF Youth Food Lab, supporting the transition from validation to field piloting and scaling.

✅ WFF Transformative Research Challenge Requirements

Your project is a good fit if it meets the following criteria:

• Youth-led (ages 18–35) with relevant technical or research expertise.
• Applied and research-led, with a tested proof of concept.
• Lab-tested or validated in controlled conditions (Technology Readiness Levels: 3-5).
• Evidence-based, with data, observations, or test results.
• Scientifically sound, with a clear methodology and measurable objectives.

Projects that may not qualify:

• Purely theoretical or academic, with no testing or early results.
• A policy proposal or advocacy initiative without a technical prototype.
• An awareness or outreach campaign without applied research.
• Already field-tested and scaling (advanced pilots or commercialization).

📅 Application Date and Process

• Application Deadline: 09 May, 2026
• Visit the official application website to apply.

🌟 Opportunity Application

For more details, visit the WFF Transformative Research Challenge.

Apply directly via the application portal.

• Research funding: Winning teams receive up to USD 10,000 to further validate and refine their prototype. One overall winner across the four TRC prize categories will receive an additional USD 10,000.
• Scientific mentorship and capacity development: Teams receive targeted support from experts to strengthen evidence, feasibility and readiness for piloting.
• Global visibility: Finalist teams are featured across WFF Youth Initiative social media platforms and website, showcasing their work to a global audience of experts and partners.
• Networking and collaboration: Participants join a global community of young innovators, researchers and agrifood professionals.
• TRC Finals at the WFF flagship event: Finalist teams present their Research-to-Impact dossiers and prototypes at the TRC Finals in October during the World Food Forum flagship event at FAO headquarters in Rome, with live global streaming.
• Pathway to the Youth Food Lab: TRC finalists are invited to apply to the WFF Youth Food Lab supporting the transition from validation to field piloting and scaling.