The World Food Forum invites young entrepreneurs to apply for its Startup Innovation Awards. The program highlights youth-led startups using technology to transform agrifood systems, end global hunger, and meet sustainable development goals. Eligibility is limited to startups with at least one founder or executive between 18 and 35 years old. Award winners receive at least US$7,500 per category, while the overall “Startup of the Year” receives an additional US$10 thousand prize. Applications are open globally and must be submitted by 01 April 2026. WFF Startup Innovation Awards
Category: Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry
The World Food Prize Foundation hosts the Innovate for Impact Challenge to accelerate agricultural technology solutions that address global food security. Early-stage, for-profit AgTech startups from any country are eligible to apply. The winner receives a US$50 thousand grand prize, while second and third-place finalists receive US$10 thousand and US$5 thousand respectively. All three finalists gain international exposure by pitching their innovations live at the Borlaug Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa. The deadline for applications is 15 April 2026. Innovate for Impact Challenge
The Plant Nutrition Scholar Award program offers ten awards of US$2,000 to students in the disciplines of soil science, agronomy, and horticultural or tree crop science with a focus on plant nutrition. Students must also be attending a degree-granting institution located in Africa. Candidates must be enrolled in a program of graduate study as of the application deadline of 30 April 2026. Plant Nutrition Scholar Award
The Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) of Japan make research awards in agriculture. Up to three young agricultural researchers with outstanding research proposals in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and related themes will receive US$5 thousand each to further their research. Applicants must be nationals of a developing country, and belong to a non-Japanese research institute or a non-Japanese university. Candidates need to be younger than age 40 to be eligible. The deadline for applications is 15 May 2026. Awards for Young Agricultural Researchers
- Tags: agriculture, awards/prizes, early-career, fisheries, forests, individuals, may2026, research, worldwide
The Food Tech Innovation Awards 2026 recognize the most innovative proposals that offer a disruptive approach to Customer Experience or Management. The award has 6 categories: digitalization award for the food and beverage industry; best sustainability project; healthy food; the best innovation project for the packaging industry; the most innovative food tech startup; and the best automation and robotics solution. The FoodTech Innovation Awards are open to all companies, universities, business schools, researchers, journalists, and start-ups from all over the world. The proposal entry deadline is 06 April 2026. Food Tech Innovation Awards
The Australian Center for International Agricultural Research awards the John Allwright Fellowship for university postgraduate studies in Australia. The aim of the Fellowship is to strengthen scientific research capability and institutional links in ACIAR partner countries to undertake high-quality and impactful research. In the 2027 intake round, research dedicated to addressing climate change, climate adaptation or strengthening resilience to climate change impacts is encouraged. Each awardee pursues research at an Australian tertiary institution relevant to the project in which the awardee is engaged. The deadline for applications is 30 April 2026. Link
The Ekhaga Foundation makes research grants in ecological agriculture and biological medicine. The main focus should be on scientific research and primarily applied research. Ekhagastiftelsen wishes primarily to support strategic and innovative projects of a pilot nature, as well as research that is highly newsworthy and that not just confirms previous findings. It is possible to apply for scholarships, but this is usually only granted for research-related projects. There is no maximum amount. Please note that the total amount awarded is usually in the range SEK 10-15 million. Universities, research institutes, etc., from all over the world are invited to apply. Cooperation with a Swedish institution is an advantage but not a requirement. The deadline for applications is 20 May 2026. Link to instructions
- Tags: agriculture, biology, may2026, research, universities, worldwide
The Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) provides financial and technical instruments to support projects proposed by enterprises, cooperatives, and institutions. Funding is targeted mainly to for-profit organizations and social enterprises for production, value chains, and marketing across a wide group of commodities (crops, tree crops, timber, bamboo and rattan, minerals, and others). Projects need to focus on economic, social, and environmental sustainability. Innovative solutions for new agri-tech applications, access to renewable energy, or expanding environmental services are especially welcome. This 28th call for proposals has a deadline of 01 April 2026. Link to the 28th Call for Proposals
The Future Fit Asia Innovation Challenge supports startups and academic teams across the Asia-Pacific region that are developing breakthrough technologies in food, health, and environmental biotechnology. The challenge features the Grantham Foundation Detox Awards, which offer US$90 thousand in non-dilutive funding to solutions that eliminate toxicity in natural and human systems. Eligible applicants must be based in the APAC region and demonstrate a scalable, systemic approach to climate resilience or long-term health. The application deadline is 01 April 2026. Future Fit Asia
The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) supports original research projects in basic science, healthcare, and biotechnology specifically for investigators in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda. These two-year grants offer a maximum annual contribution of €24,000 (€48,000 total) to cover consumables, equipment, and travel, with a unique requirement that lead investigators must host a fellow from another partner country to foster regional collaboration. Eligible applicants must hold a position at a university or research institute in one of the four beneficiary countries, and a special “Early Career Return Grant” is available for researchers under 40 who have recently returned to the region after at least two years abroad. The application deadline is 30 April 2026. BiotechNet Grants