Applications Invited for Seeding the Future Global Food Systems Challenge

Organization: Institute of Food Technologists (IFT)
Application Deadline: January 6, 2025
Grant Amount: Up to $250,000

About the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT)

Since 1939, the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has been a global forum for food science professionals to collaborate, learn, and innovate.

• Vision: A world where science and innovation are universally recognized as essential for improving food for everyone.
• Mission: Connecting global food system communities to advance the science of food and its application.

About the Challenge

The Seeding the Future Global Food Systems Challenge, hosted by IFT and funded by the Seeding the Future Foundation, aims to drive transformative innovations in food systems to ensure:

1. Nutritious food for a healthy diet.
2. Sustainably produced food.
3. Food that is accessible, appealing, affordable, and trusted by consumers.

Objective: Support groundbreaking innovations to ensure affordable, safe, and nutritious food while maintaining planetary health.

Award Levels

The Challenge provides three levels of awards to recognize innovations at different stages:

1. Seed Grants:

   • Amount: $25,000
   • For organizations nurturing innovative ideas with prototypes or proof of concept.
   • Benefits at least one domain of the Innovation Focus Area (preferably two).

2. Growth Grants:

   • Amount: $100,000
   • For projects with proven feasibility, economic viability, and high transformative potential.
   • Must benefit at least two domains (preferably three) without negative impact.

3. Grand Prizes:

   • Amount: $250,000
   • For scalable, economically viable innovations with demonstrated major impact.
   • Must benefit at least two domains (ideally all three) with no negative impact.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants:

• Non-profits in any country.
• Academic or research institutions worldwide.
• Early-stage or emerging for-profit companies globally*.

Note: Individuals cannot apply, but teams of students or researchers can participate under their organization's submission.

Selection Criteria

• Innovations must benefit at least one domain of the Innovation Focus Area (preferably more).
• Must be innovative, impactful, and address challenges in the food system without negatively affecting other areas.

Definition of Innovation:
A novel idea, approach, concept, or technology that is practical and offers significant benefits to people or the environment.

How to Apply

1. Applications for the 2024 Challenge close on January 6, 2025.
2. Visit the official application portal: Apply Now.
3. For detailed information, refer to the IFT Challenge page.

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