If you’re part of a startup working with farm-level data, here’s your chance to make a real difference — and gain international exposure while you’re at it.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the University of Helsinki’s Viikki Food Design Factory have teamed up to launch the Global Data for Farm Value Challenge.
Their mission? To support startups creating smart, scalable solutions that put smallholder farmers at the center of the data economy.
Why Farm Data Needs a Rethink
Let’s be honest — smallholder farmers produce a treasure trove of valuable information every day, but they’re rarely the ones benefiting from it.
Most of the time, big players in the agri-food sector reap the rewards, while the people on the ground remain cut off from the value chain.
This challenge is all about flipping that narrative.
The goal is to find business models that are not only innovative but also fair, ensuring that farmers are acknowledged and compensated for their contributions to the data ecosystem.
What the Challenge is Looking For
Startups entering the challenge are expected to bring bold ideas and practical solutions to the table.
Here’s what they’re asking for:
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Tools that turn messy farm-level data into useful, structured, and accessible information
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Business models where farmers are paid fairly for the data they generate
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Ways to plug farm-level data into supply chains, sustainability efforts, and market access platforms
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Transparent systems that let farmers sell or trade their data while keeping ownership
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Approaches that align farm-level data with both public and private sector initiatives for better sustainability and value creation
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, your startup should meet the following criteria:
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Be a registered company with at least two team members working half-time or more on your proposed solution
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Your solution should be at Technology Readiness Level 3–7 (from proof-of-concept to tested prototype)
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You must have at least pre-seed funding and no more than €500K in annual revenue
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You can be based anywhere in the world
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Your team should be able to attend key events in Rome and Helsinki, including FAO’s Science and Innovation Forum (Oct 16) and Slush’s side event Y Science (Nov 18–20)
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All application materials must be submitted in English
What’s in it for Startups?
This challenge isn’t just about pitching for cash — it’s a full-on opportunity to grow, network, and gain global recognition.
Here’s what you get:
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Hands-on workshops on how to pitch and find the right product-market fit for your data-driven solution
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Access to global agri-food innovation networks, spanning the UN, academia, public and private sectors
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The chance to be among the 10 startups selected to pitch on stage at the FAO Science and Innovation Forum in Rome
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Entry into the World Food Forum, part of FAO’s massive 80th anniversary celebrations
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The top 4 teams from the Rome event will move on to pitch at Y Science in Helsinki, a major side event of Slush 2025
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Free Slush tickets for the 4 finalists
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A €5,000 cash prize for the overall winner
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Access to the Data Refinery – a joint FAO and University of Helsinki project with valuable data sets for testing and development
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1:1 mentorship sessions with digital agriculture and data experts from FAO
Ready to Apply?
If this sounds like your kind of challenge, don’t wait around.
This is your shot to make your solution known globally and to build something that genuinely helps smallholder farmers benefit from the data revolution.