Key Takeaways:
- The third annual Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge has announced its semifinalists, with 38 teams competing for a share of $1 million.
- The Challenge is focused on innovative solutions for transforming the food system to improve nutrition security and planetary health.
- This year, a record-breaking 900+ submissions were received from 78 countries, representing diverse approaches from regenerative agriculture to artificial intelligence.
- Winners will be selected from three award tiers: Seeding The Future Grand Prizes, Growth Grants, and Seed Grants, with final announcements expected next month.
Semifinalists for the third annual Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge have been announced. With 38 teams from diverse backgrounds set to compete for part of $1 million in awards, the Challenge seeks to address pressing global concerns surrounding nutrition security and planetary health. This year’s Challenge stands out due to a record number of submissions: over 900 entries from 78 countries.
The Challenge, funded by the Seeding The Future Foundation and organized by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), has attracted many innovative solutions. Bernhard van Lengerich, Ph.D., founder of Seeding The Future Foundation, underscores the importance of such innovations in a world where global agricultural and food systems account for over 30% of greenhouse gas emissions. He stresses the need for a resilient, sustainable, and equitable food system that the public can trust.
This year’s broad spectrum of entries ranges from regenerative agriculture techniques to incorporating artificial intelligence in the food system. In its three-year history, the Challenge has amassed over 2,400 submissions, indicating the rising global attention towards creating a more sustainable and nutritionally secure future.
Entries were accepted from June 1 to August 1, after which a distinguished panel of subject matter experts evaluated each submission based on novelty and anticipated positive impact on both people and the environment.
The listed semifinalists represent many approaches and hail from around the world. They are grouped under Seeding The Future Grand Prize Semifinalists, Growth Grants Semifinalists, and Seed Grant Semifinalists. Their solutions range from innovative food delivery models, vertical farming, and climate-smart aquaponics to digital platforms supporting farmers and biofortified crops for improved nutrition.
The winners from these categories will be announced next month. Those interested in following the results can watch the Institute of Food Technologists and Seeding The Future Foundation’s LinkedIn updates.
About the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT): IFT is a global network of approximately 12,000 members from over 100 countries committed to advancing food science. Established in 1939, IFT connects academia, government, and industry experts to address global food challenges. More details can be found on their official website.
About Seeding The Future Foundation: A private, non-profit entity, the Seeding The Future Foundation is driven by the core belief in equitable access to safe and nutritious food. They aim to inspire and support innovative ideas to revolutionize the food system for a healthier planet and population. More information is available on their website.
Image provided by the Seeding The Future Foundation
