WFF Transformative Research Challenge (TRC) 2026 (up to $10,000) – YOA

Deadline: May 9, 2026

Applications are open for the WFF Transformative Research Challenge (TRC) 2026. The WFF Transformative Research Challenge (TRC) is a worldwide competitors that empowers groups of younger researchers to advance utilized analysis towards actual-world agrifood options. The TRC is designed for initiatives which have already demonstrated an preliminary proof of idea, by means of lab checks, managed experiments or small-scale validation and which can be wanting to additional strengthen proof, refine their answer and put together for actual-world piloting.

Semi-finalist groups obtain scientific mentorship, sensible masterclasses and professional suggestions to assist transfer their work from “it works” to “it is ready to pilot”. Teams are supported to produce a Research-to-Impact proposal that paperwork their progress and descriptions a sensible pathway towards piloting by means of the Youth Food Lab (YFL) or different innovation pathways. Finalists are given the distinctive OPPORTUNITY to pitch their analysis through the WFF flagship occasion in October 2026 at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Over the years, the TRC has collaborated with 24 main organizations, together with Wageningen University and Research (WUR), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), EIT Food and CGIAR, to supply over 25 distinctive prizes. Selecting from over 3,600 submissions globally, the TRC has awarded greater than USD 650,000 in grants, funding 80+ groundbreaking initiatives.

Benefits

• Research funding: Winning groups obtain up to USD $10,000 to additional validate and refine their prototype. One general winner throughout the 4 TRC prize classes will obtain a further USD $10,000.
• Scientific mentorship and capability growth: Teams obtain focused help from specialists to strengthen proof, feasibility and readiness for piloting.
• Global visibility: Finalist groups are featured throughout WFF Youth Initiative social media platforms and web site, showcasing their work to a worldwide viewers of specialists and companions.
• Networking and collaboration: Participants be a part of a worldwide neighborhood of younger innovators, researchers and agrifood professionals.
• TRC Finals on the WFF flagship occasion: Finalist groups current their Research-to-Impact dossiers and prototypes on the TRC Finals in October through the World Food Forum flagship occasion at FAO headquarters in Rome, with reside world 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 area piloting and scaling.

Eligibility

Your mission is an effective match whether it is:

• Youth-led (ages 18–35), with related technical or analysis experience;
• Applied and analysis-led, with a examined proof of idea;
• Lab-tested or validated in managed circumstances (Technology Readiness Levels: 3-5);
• Evidence-based, with knowledge, observations or check outcomes; and
• Scientifically sound, with a transparent methodology and measurable targets.

Projects that won’t make the minimize:

• Purely theoretical or educational, with no testing or early outcomes;
• A coverage proposal or advocacy initiative with no technical prototype;
• An consciousness or outreach marketing campaign with out utilized analysis; or
• Already area-examined and scaling (superior pilots or commercialization).

Application

Teams submit a 3-web page proof of idea summarizing the issue, prototype, present proof and validation targets.

Click here to apply

For extra info, go to WFF Transformative Research Challenge.