Created and funded by Seeding The Future Foundation and, for the first time, hosted by Welthungerhilfe (WHH), the Challenge attracted a record 1,600+ applications from innovator teams in 112 countries, underscoring growing global momentum for food systems transformation.
Following a multi-stage, rigorous international review process, 36 teams advanced across three award levels. These include 16 Seed Grant Finalists (competing for 8 awards of USD 25,000), 12 Growth Grant Semifinalists (competing for 3 awards of USD 100,000), and 8 Seeding The Future Grand Prize Semifinalists (competing for 2 awards of USD 250,000).
“Hosting the GFSC reflects Welthungerhilfe’s commitment to accelerating bold, scalable innovations where they are needed most. This year’s diversity of solutions underscores the complexity of food system challenges and the creativity of innovators worldwide.” Jan Kever, Head of Innovation at Welthungerhilfe told That's Food and Drink.
The submitted innovations span diverse themes and approaches, including climate-smart production, nutrient-dense foods, food loss reduction, and inclusive market models, reflecting the complexity and interconnected nature of today’s food systems challenges.
“The Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge exists to catalyze impactful, bold, and scalable innovations that advance food systems transformation. We are excited to work alongside Welthungerhilfe as a trusted partner and host of the Challenge and are encouraged by the quality and diversity of innovations emerging from this first year of collaboration.” said Bernhard van Lengerich, Founder and CEO of Seeding The Future Foundation
While the number of awards is limited, all semifinalists and finalist applicants plus all applicants with any prior recognition of other innovation competitions can join the STF Global Food System Innovation Database and Network—currently in beta testing with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations—vastly expanding their visibility and reach across a global audience.
List of 2025 GFSC Seed Grant Finalists, Growth Grant and Seeding The Future Grand Prize Semifinalists
Find details here: welthungerhilfe.org/gfsc-finalists
Seeding The Future Grand Prize Semi-Finalists
CNF Global, Kenya
ZTN Technology PLC, Ethiopia
One Acre Fund, Rwanda
Sanku, Tanzania
Nabahya Food Institute (NFI), Democratic Republic of the Congo
ABALOBI, South Africa
metaBIX Biotech, Uruguay
Nurture Posterity International, Uganda
Growth Grant Semi-Finalists
Baobaby, Togo
Safi International Technologies Inc., Canada
Centro Internacional de Mejoramiento de Maíz y Trigo (CIMMYT), Mexico
Farmlab Yeranda Agrisolution Producer Company Limited, India
Banco de Alimentos Santa Fe (BASFE), Argentina
Chartered Consilorum (Pty) Ltd, South Africa
American University of Beirut, Environment and Sustainable Development Unit (ESDU at AUB), Lebanon
The Source Plus, Kenya
Iviani Farm Limited, Kenya
Rwandese Endogenous Development Association, Rwanda
NatureLEAD, Madagascar
Ndaloh Heritage Organisation, Kenya
Seed Grant Finalists
Inua Damsite CBO, Kenya
World Neighbors, United States
Keloks Technologies Ltd, Nigeria
REBUS Albania, Albania
Tanzania Conservation and Community Empowerment Initiative (TACCEI), Tanzania
Intrasect, Switzerland
VKS AGRITECH, India
Murmushi People's Development Foundation, Nigeria
Levo International, Inc., United States
Effective Altruism Research Services Ltd, Uganda
Taita Taveta University, Kenya
CultivaHub, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Resource Hub for Development (RHD), Kenya
FUTURALGA S.COOP.AND, Spain
West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement, University of Ghana, Ghana
Sustainable Solutions Kenya, Kenya
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 Seeding the future.