Welthungerhilfe, one of Germany’s largest and most respected development organisations, has launched the Global Food System Challenge, offering $1 million in total awards to accelerate transformative ideas that make food systems more nutritious, sustainable, and equitable.
Founded in 1962, Welthungerhilfe (WHH) operates in more than 30 countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Its mission is to end hunger and malnutrition through sustainable, locally driven solutions, focusing on food security, climate resilience, and rural innovation. The organisation is now taking the lead in managing this annual challenge, previously hosted by the Seeding The Future Foundation, bringing a development-sector lens to food innovation.
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Overview
The Challenge invites mission-driven organisations to submit innovations that address one or more of three global priorities:
- Safe and nutritious food for all
- Sustainable production and regenerative practices
- Equitable access to affordable and appealing food
Applications open 15 October 2025 and close 15 December 2025.
Awards are divided into three tiers:
- Seed Grants ($25,000)– Up to 8 Seed Grants will be awarded to organisations that are planning and nurturing high-potential, innovative ideas and have developed a prototype and/or initial proof of concept demonstrating feasibility. Innovation must benefit at least one, ideally two, domains of the Innovation Focus Area without negatively impacting others
- Growth Grants ($100,000)– Up to 3 Growth Grants will be awarded to organisations that have demonstrated that their innovation is doable and have projected both economic feasibility at scale and high-impact potential to transform the food system. The innovation must benefit at least two, ideally three, domains with no negative impact on the others.
- Seeding The Future Grand Prizes ($250,000)– up to 2 Seeding The Future Grand Prizes will be awarded to organisations that have created innovations that are scalable, economically feasible at scale, trusted, and compelling to consumers, and have demonstrated major impact potential to transform food systems. The innovation must benefit at least two, ideally three domains with no negative impact on the others.
Who Can Apply
The competition is open to non-profits, NGOs, research institutions, and early-stage for-profit or social enterprises worldwide. Individuals are not eligible. Applicants must demonstrate that their innovations have moved beyond the conceptual stage and can deliver measurable benefits across nutrition, sustainability, or equitable access.
Programme Context & Benefits
Now under Welthungerhilfe’s leadership, the Global Food System Challenge aligns innovation with humanitarian and development objectives. In addition to financial awards, winners receive mentorship, visibility through WHH’s global network, and opportunities for collaboration with major food-system actors, including NGOs, investors, and international agencies.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the Welthungerhilfe Challenge Portal.
- Opening date: 15 October 2025
- Deadline: 15 December 2025
- Submissions must include a completed application form, budget template, and institutional documentation (such as registration proof and financial statements).
Proposals undergo eligibility checks, expert review, and finalist interviews before the awards are announced.
