Global innovators and startups join forces in Germany as Welthungerhilfe launches the Seeding The Future Food Challenge 2025 to transform world nutrition systems

Global innovators and startups join forces in Germany as Welthungerhilfe launches the Seeding The Future Food Challenge 2025 to transform world nutrition systems

As the world faces growing challenges around hunger, nutrition, and climate change, one initiative is stepping up to spotlight the innovators ready to make a real difference.

The Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge 2025, powered by Welthungerhilfe, has officially opened its doors to thinkers, creators, and organizations passionate about reshaping how the world produces and consumes food.

This global competition isn’t just another grant opportunity—it’s a movement pushing for creative, sustainable, and scalable ideas that make healthy food more affordable and accessible to everyone.


A Mission to Rethink How the World Eats

At its heart, the challenge is about driving meaningful change in global food systems.

It seeks out bold solutions that don’t just tackle hunger, but also address deeper issues like climate-smart agriculture, nutrition equity, and sustainability.

Whether you’re working on technology to reduce food waste, helping smallholder farmers improve productivity, or finding new ways to get nutritious food to vulnerable communities, this challenge is designed with your innovation in mind.


Three Funding Levels to Support Every Stage of Innovation

The program offers three distinct funding tiers, allowing projects at different stages of development to thrive:

  • Seed Grants – $25,000
    Ideal for early-stage innovators who have a working prototype or a solid proof of concept.

  • Growth Grants – $100,000
    Designed for projects that have already shown feasibility and are ready to scale their impact.

  • Seeding The Future Grand Prizes – $250,000
    Reserved for mature innovations that demonstrate strong market readiness and the potential to transform food systems on a global scale.

This tiered system ensures that no matter where you are on your journey, there’s a level of support tailored to your needs.


Who Can Apply and What They’re Looking For

The challenge is open to a wide range of applicants, including:

  • Nonprofits and research institutions

  • Social enterprises and mission-driven startups

  • Innovators and organizations committed to measurable social impact

Your project should target at least one key aspect of the global food ecosystem—this could mean improving nutrition access, advancing sustainable farming practices, creating smarter supply chains, or developing climate-resilient food solutions.


Application Deadline and How to Get Started

Applications are open until December 15, 2025, giving innovators a few months to polish their proposals and demonstrate how their ideas could shape a more sustainable food future.

Interested applicants can submit their entries through the official website:
👉 welthungerhilfe.org/global-food-system-challenge


Building a More Sustainable Food Future

Beyond funding, the Seeding The Future Challenge aims to create a global movement—one that inspires collaboration and accelerates the shift toward an equitable, nutritious, and environmentally friendly food system.

By supporting innovations that reduce hunger, protect natural resources, and promote health, this initiative hopes to empower the next generation of changemakers dedicated to feeding the planet responsibly.