How might we build an inclusive and resilient food system that improves livelihoods, replenishes natural resources, sequesters carbon, reduces waste, and enhances health and nutrition? This is a big question that requires unprecedented levels of innovation and collaboration. The 2019 Thought For Food Challenge calls on the world’s most creative next-gen innovators to step up and develop the bold ideas and impact-focused startups that we urgently need.  Moreover, the projects should leverage cutting-edge technologies like biotech, blockchain, AI/machine learning, and robotics. Further, it should incorporate collaborative, circular and inclusive business models.

The TFF Challenge runs for a full 12 weeks where you will gain deep knowledge in food and ag, entrepreneurship, tech, and innovation; Further, you will have opportunity to connect with world-class mentors; benefit from practical personal development tools as well as connect with like-minded social-impact entrepreneurs from over 160 countries around the world.

Moreover, the solutions could be along the areas of:

Across the entire value chain

• Inputs, Breeding, Production, Processing, Storage, Food Production, Packaging, Distribution, Retail, Consumption, Waste, and more.

For all types of agriculture

• Crops, Livestock, Aquaculture, Insects, Forestry, and more.

In all types of systems

• Indoor, Intercropping, Agroforestry, Smallholders, and more.

Leveraging cutting-edge technology

• Biotech, Machinery, Machine Learning, AI, Computer Vision, Blockchain, Robotics, and more.

Based on new, inclusive business models

• Open-Source, Open-Data, Benefits Sharing, and more.

That result in a spectrum of solutions

• Sustainable Production, Nutritious Foods, Novel Proteins, New Flavours and Aromas, Alternative Materials, and more.

Fully Funded Thought for Food Challenge

The finalists of the round one of the Thought For Food Challenge will receive an expense-paid trip for up to five (5) team members to the location of the TFF Academy and TFF Summit. The prize includes

• round-trip economy-class airfare from Finalists place of residence to the location of the TFF Academy and TFF Summit
• Likewise, hotel accommodations for the duration of the TFF Academy and TFF Summit
• Further, round trip airport transportation
• Also, meals during the TFF Academy and TFF Summit

Finalists of the round one who complete the TFF Academy will present their project live on stage at the Thought For Food Global Summit on March 26, 2020. TFF will award several prizes to the winners.

TFF will select a new winner from among the Finalists. The Grand Prize winner will receive $10,000 USD in grant money to use solely for the purpose of their project. While the Runner Up will receive $7,500 USD. Further, foundation partner organizations such will award additional cash prizes which includes

• the Kirchner Award of $5,000 USD selected by the Kirchner Food Fellows and their independent criteria.
• The Borlaug Foundation Take it to the Farmer award of $2,500 USD selected by an independent committee determining which innovation most impacts farmers.
• Also, there is a possibility to add other prizes too.

Besides, the winners of the TFF Challenge will also receive:

Access to the TFF Digital Labs

• A first-of-its-kind digital accelerator as well as the collaboration platform optimized for next-gen innovators in food and agriculture.

Bespoke innovation roadmap

• Based on your team’s needs and interests.

World-class mentoring

• Pick the mentor who can best support you over the 12 weeks.

A global community

• Benefit from our 15,000+ strong global TFF Community of next-gen innovators thought leaders and industry experts.

Eligibility for the Thought for Food Challenge

Individuals interested in transforming the world and the food system with the application of science, technology and business model innovation are eligible to enter the Thought For Food Challenge. Further, the individuals must meet the following criteria to participate in the challenge:

• The Challenge is open to individuals between the ages of 18 and 40 at the time of entry.
• In order to participate, teams must be comprised of at least 2 and no more than 5 eligible participants.
• Further, teams may be comprised of eligible participants from the same or different disciplines, communities, countries, universities, etc.
• A team may only submit one entry for the 2019 TFF Challenge
• However, employees, vendors, and contractors of Foundation and of Foundation donors or their affiliates are not eligible to enter or win.

How to enter Thought for Food Challenge?

Eligible teams can enter the 2019/2020 Thought For Food Challenge by completing and submitting the online application. In the application, the candidates must submit their ideas and innovation for the TFF Challenge.

Deadline

The deadline for the Thought For Food Challenge is on 24 January 2020. However, TFF encourages candidates to participate early to attain maximum benefit from the challenge.