Global AgriInno Challenge (GAC) 2026: Innovation Challenge for Resilient Agrifood Systems in Small Island Developing States

The Global AgriInno Challenge (GAC) 2026 is now accepting applications from startups, agripreneurs, researchers, and innovation teams developing technology-driven solutions for sustainable and resilient agrifood systems in Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

The international innovation challenge is co-organised by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Zhejiang University, and Pinduoduo.

The 2026 edition focuses specifically on addressing agrifood challenges affecting SIDS, including climate vulnerability, food insecurity, biodiversity loss, limited innovation ecosystems, geographic isolation, and high food import dependency.

The challenge seeks scalable digital and technology-enabled innovations capable of improving food systems resilience, environmental sustainability, rural livelihoods, and nutrition outcomes in island contexts.

Application Deadline

• Applications close: 18 June 2026 (24:00 CEST)

Who Can Apply?

Applications are open globally to:

• Agritech startups
• Agripreneurs
• Innovation teams
• Researchers
• Early-stage enterprises
• Technology innovators

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be registered as a legal entity or company
• Have less than USD1 million in annual turnover
• Have operated for less than 5 years
• Have a technology-based solution at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7–9
• Demonstrate post-MVP deployment or pilot evidence
• Include at least one team leader under the age of 35
• Commit to participation throughout the programme duration

Teams led by women or including female agripreneurs are strongly encouraged to apply.

Eligible Countries

The challenge is open globally.

Special preference is given to innovators from Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including:

• Barbados
• Bahamas
• Cabo Verde
• Comoros
• Cook Islands
• Fiji
• Grenada
• Maldives
• Solomon Islands
• São Tomé & Príncipe
• Trinidad & Tobago
• Vanuatu

Teams based outside SIDS are also fully eligible if their solutions:

• Address SIDS agrifood challenges directly, or
• Have already been piloted in island contexts

Challenge Themes

Applicants must align their solutions with at least one of four strategic pillars:

Better Production

Solutions addressing:

• Limited arable land
• Climate pressures on agriculture and fisheries
• Fragmented supply chains
• High food import dependency

Better Nutrition

Solutions focused on:

• Healthy diets
• Food affordability
• Malnutrition reduction
• Nutrition-sensitive food systems
• Diet-related health challenges

Better Environment

Innovations supporting:

• Climate resilience
• Biodiversity conservation
• Coastal ecosystem protection
• Sustainable fisheries
• Forest and coral reef protection

Better Life

Solutions improving:

• Rural livelihoods
• Youth employment
• Inclusive economic opportunities
• Community resilience
• Social inclusion

Technology Requirements

The challenge requires solutions at:

• TRL 7–9

Eligible innovations should be:

• Beyond MVP stage
• Pilot-tested or operational
• Scalable and deployment-ready
• Technology-enabled or digitally driven

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Innovation and originality
• Market potential and scalability
• Social and environmental impact
• Sustainability contribution
• Team strength and operational capacity
• Inclusivity and accessibility
• Readiness for implementation in SIDS contexts

Benefits for Finalists

Selected finalists will receive:

• Full travel package support
• Round-trip flights
• Accommodation and meals
• Local transportation
• Visa application support
• Expert coaching and mentorship
• Investor matchmaking opportunities
• International networking exposure
• Long-term visibility through FAO channels
• Access to alumni networks and global innovation forums

Awards for Top Winners

Top 3 winners will receive:

• Seed funding opportunities
• Exhibition opportunities at the FAO Science & Innovation Forum
• Participation in a Digital Agriculture Innovation Bootcamp in China

Programme Timeline

• Open applications: 19 May – 18 June 2026
• Preliminary selection: 18 June – 30 June 2026
• Top 13 finalists announced: 2 July 2026
• Remote coaching and preparation: July 2026
• Global Final Pitch Event: August 2026 in Hangzhou, China
• FAO Science & Innovation Forum Showcase: 12–16 October 2026 in Rome, Italy
• Alumni engagement activities: 2027 onwards

Important Notes

• All applications and presentations must be submitted in English
• English and Chinese are the official working languages
• Continuous participation throughout the programme is mandatory for selected teams
• Solutions should demonstrate clear relevance to SIDS food systems challenges

Click HERE to visit the official website