Call for Applications: Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge 2025 (Up to US$25,000 Grant)

The Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge 2025 is now open for applications, inviting innovators worldwide to submit transformative, science-driven solutions that can reshape the global food system. Hosted by Welthungerhilfe (WHH) and funded by the Seeding The Future Foundation (STF), the Challenge is one of the world’s leading platforms supporting breakthrough ideas that advance food security, sustainability, and equitable access to nutritious food.

Since its inception in 2021, the Challenge has received over 3,500 submissions from more than 100 countries, reflecting its global relevance and the urgent need for scalable innovations that address mounting pressures on today’s food systems. The programme awards up to US$1 million annually across several grant tiers, with early-stage innovations eligible to receive up to US$25,000.

Purpose of the Challenge

The Challenge aims to identify and accelerate bold solutions that:

• Make food systems healthier, providing safe, nutritious, and affordable food;
• Promote sustainable or regenerative practices that protect ecosystems, reduce food waste, and operate within planetary boundaries;
• Strengthen equitable access to food that is culturally appropriate, trusted, and appealing.

These three domains form the Challenge’s Innovation Focus Area, encouraging applicants to design solutions that not only address food security but also contribute to climate resilience, environmental protection, and social equity.

Why This Matters

Global food systems face unprecedented challenges from climate shocks and biodiversity loss to rising hunger, malnutrition, and inequitable access to healthy food. These pressures demand innovations that are scientifically grounded, community-focused, and capable of scaling. This Challenge supports organisations equipped to bring such solutions to life, especially those contributing to sustainable development in the Global South.

Funding and Award Structure

Applicants may compete for one of the following award categories:

• Seed Grants (US$25,000 each): For early-stage innovations with a prototype or proof of concept.
• Growth Grants (US$100,000 each): For initiatives with demonstrated feasibility and clear potential for scale.
• Grand Prizes (US$250,000 each): For high-impact, scalable innovations capable of transforming the global food system.

In addition to funding, awardees benefit from global exposure, technical networks, and partnership opportunities that support long-term implementation.

Who Can Apply

The Challenge is open to registered organisations worldwide, including:

• Nonprofits and NGOs
• Academic and research institutions
• Social enterprises and early-stage for-profit companies

Individuals cannot apply, but student teams, researchers, and innovators may participate through an institutional affiliation. Cross-sector partnerships are encouraged.

Applications must demonstrate:

• Strong scientific or technical grounding
• Measurable and scalable impact potential
• Alignment with at least one of the Challenge’s key focus areas
• Organisational capacity to manage grant funding

Entities from countries under U.S. or German comprehensive sanctions are not eligible.

Why Organisations Should Apply

• Access up to US$25,000 to advance early-stage innovations
• Opportunity to compete for a share of US$1 million in total annual awards
• Connection to a global ecosystem of researchers, innovators, and funders
• Increased visibility and credibility through an internationally recognised platform
• Contribution to global food system transformation and sustainable development goals

Application Deadline

All applications must be submitted by 15 December 2025. Early submissions are highly encouraged to ensure full consideration.

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