Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge 2027

What does the Challenge reward?

Hosted by Welthungerhilfe and funded by the Seeding The Future Foundation, the Challenge recognises innovations that make food safe and nutritious, keep food systems within planetary boundaries, including cutting food loss and waste, and give people equitable access to affordable, appealing and trusted food. It has a particular focus on the Global South.

What are the award levels?

There are 13 awards across three levels: Seed Grants of USD 25,000 for ideas with a prototype or initial proof of concept, Growth Grants for innovations shown to be doable and economically feasible at scale, and Seeding The Future Grand Prizes of USD 250,000 for scalable innovations with major impact potential.

Who can apply?

Applications come from organisations, not individuals: non-profits and NGOs, academic and research institutions, and early-stage for-profit companies or social enterprises in any country not covered by comprehensive sanctions. Teams of students or researchers can take part through their organisation's submission. There is no entry fee.

When and how to apply

Applications open on 1 January 2027 and close on 15 February 2027. The online application asks for organisational and financial documents, a project plan with an itemised budget, evidence of impact and maturity, and an explanation of how the award would accelerate the work. Seed Grant decisions are expected in June 2027 and the larger awards in July 2027.