Deadline: May 15, 2026
Applications are open for the WFF Transformative Research Challenge (TRC) 2026. The World Food Forum (WFF) Transformative Research Challenge (TRC) is a global competition that empowers teams of young researchers to advance applied research toward real-world agrifood solutions. The TRC is designed for projects that have already demonstrated an initial proof of concept, through lab tests, controlled experiments or small-scale validation and that are looking to further strengthen evidence, refine their solution and prepare for real-world piloting.
Semi-finalist teams receive scientific mentorship, practical masterclasses and expert feedback to help move their work from “it works” to “it is ready to pilot”. Teams are supported to produce a Research-to-Impact proposal that documents their progress and outlines a realistic pathway toward piloting through the Youth Food Lab (YFL) or other innovation pathways. Finalists are given the unique opportunity to pitch their research during the WFF flagship event in October 2026 at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.
Over the years, the TRC has collaborated with 24 leading organizations, including Wageningen University and Research (WUR), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), EIT Food and CGIAR, to offer over 25 unique prizes. Selecting from over 3,600 submissions globally, the TRC has awarded more than USD 650,000 in grants, funding 80+ groundbreaking projects.
Benefits
- 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.
Eligibility
Your project is a good fit if it is:
- 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; and
- Scientifically sound, with a clear methodology and measurable objectives.
Projects that may not make the cut:
- 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; or
- Already field-tested and scaling (advanced pilots or commercialization).
Application
Teams submit a 3-page proof of concept summarizing the problem, prototype, existing evidence and validation objectives.
For more information, visit WFF Transformative Research Challenge.
