Welthungerhilfe and Seeding The Future Foundation Announce Global Food System Challenge
Bonn, Germany – On Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Welthungerhilfe (WHH) and Seeding The Future Foundation (STF) announced the launch of the Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge (GFSC). This international competition aims to find and support innovative solutions that can transform food systems globally, making them more nutritious, sustainable, and equitable, particularly in the Global South.
Scientists, entrepreneurs, civil society groups, research institutions, start-ups, and social enterprises are all invited to submit their ideas to the Challenge. The submissions can range from prototypes to proven concepts, and a total of up to $1 million USD will be awarded to the winners.
The Challenge will offer three types of grants:
– Seed Grants: 8 awards of $25,000 each for early-stage innovations with strong impact potential.
– Growth Grants: 3 awards of $100,000 each for promising, economically viable innovations.
– Seeding The Future Grand Prizes: 2 awards of $250,000 each for proven innovations with transformative impact potential.
In addition to the monetary awards, all semi-finalists and above will have the opportunity to join the STF Global Food System Innovation Database and Network. This interactive platform features over 650 high-impact innovations and serves as a trusted resource for policymakers, investors, and practitioners working towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The Challenge will be officially launched during the FAO Science and Innovation Week and World Food Forum in Rome. Interested participants can submit their applications from October 15 to December 15, 2025, through the website www.welthungerhilfe.org/global-food-system-challenge.
The Seeding The Future Foundation is a private nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring equitable access to safe, nutritious, affordable, and trusted food. Its mission is to support innovations that transform food systems and benefit both people and the planet. More information can be found at www.seedingthefuture.org.
Welthungerhilfe is one of Germany’s largest private aid organizations, working towards a world without hunger since 1962. Its focus is on tackling hunger and poverty in the Global South, and it implements projects in over 40 countries. More information can be found at www.welthungerhilfe.org.
Media contacts for the Institute of Food Technologists:
Dennis Van Milligen
Director, External Relations
Institute of Food Technologists
Tel: 630-853-3022
Email: dvanmilligen@ift.org
Media contact for Welthungerhilfe:
Simone Pott
Head of Communications
Landline +49 (0)228-2288-132
Mobile +49 (0)172-2525962
simone.pott@welthungerhilfe.de
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.