Deadline: August 25, 2025
The UN FAO Data for Farm Value Global Challenge 2025 is now open for applications! If you’re a startup developing innovative, data-driven solutions that empower farmers and enhance transparency across agricultural value chains, this is a global opportunity you don’t want to miss.
Organised by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in partnership with the University of Helsinki’s Viikki Food Design Factory, this challenge is designed to support groundbreaking ideas that help farmers benefit from their own data, boost sustainable farming, and improve supply chain efficiency.
What is the UN FAO Data for Farm Value Global Challenge 2025?
The UN FAO Data for Farm Value Global Challenge 2025 is a global innovation competition aimed at startups using farm-level data to deliver fairer, more transparent, and inclusive agricultural solutions. The initiative focuses on:
- Structuring farm-level data into usable and accessible formats.
- Designing equitable business models that reward farmers as data contributors.
- Supporting sustainability reporting, market access, and traceability.
- Empowering farmers to retain control and ownership over their data—ensuring they are the primary beneficiaries.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is ideal for early-stage or growth-stage startups in agri-tech, digital agriculture, data science, and sustainable supply chains. If your solution integrates technology, farmer engagement, and data transparency, this is your moment.
Benefits for Selected Startups
Startups selected for the challenge will gain access to an array of valuable benefits, including:
- Tailored workshops and mentoring by FAO and University of Helsinki experts.
- Access to the Data Refinery platform, a FAO-Viikki joint initiative offering real-world datasets for testing and development.
- One-on-one mentorship with digital agriculture experts.
- Exposure and visibility through FAO’s global platforms and high-level international events.
- A chance to pitch at two major events: FAO’s Science and Innovation Forum (Rome) and Y Science at Slush (Helsinki).
Key Dates & Timeline
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 25 August 2025 |
| Notification of Selected Startups | Mid-September 2025 |
| Virtual Workshops & Mentoring | Mid-September to Mid-October 2025 |
| Pitch at FAO Science & Innovation Forum (Rome) | 16 October 2025 |
| Pitch at Y Science, Slush (Helsinki) | 19 November 2025 |
| Networking & Award Ceremony at Slush | 20 November 2025 |
Awards & Recognition
- The top 10 startups will pitch at the FAO Science and Innovation Forum.
- The top 4 finalists will travel to Helsinki, Finland, to pitch at Y Science during Slush 2025, the world’s leading startup event.
- The final winner will receive a €5,000 cash prize, alongside global exposure and partnership opportunities.
Why This Challenge Matters
This challenge is more than a competition—it’s a platform to redefine how farm-level data is treated globally. With the agricultural sector facing pressure to deliver on sustainability, equity, and climate resilience, data can be a transformative asset—if handled responsibly.
By ensuring farmers benefit from their own data, this challenge encourages inclusive innovation, fair monetisation, and stronger food systems worldwide.
How to Apply
Interested startups must apply by 25 August 2025. Don’t miss this chance to showcase your innovation on a global stage and contribute to reshaping the future of farming.
Need help with your proposal?
Contact grantsdatabase.org for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
