Deadline: February 15, 2026
The UN FAO Innovation Award 2026 is now open for nominations! Organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, this prestigious global award celebrates innovative and transformative solutions that strengthen agrifood systems worldwide.
Through this award, FAO aims to recognize forward-thinking individuals, organizations, and institutions whose innovations contribute to the sustainability, resilience, inclusivity, and efficiency of food and agriculture systems — from production to consumption.
About the UN FAO Innovation Award 2026
The UN FAO Innovation Award 2026 honors innovations that align with FAO’s mission of ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agricultural transformation. It celebrates practical, scalable, and impactful ideas that have made a real difference in addressing global agrifood challenges.
This initiative highlights the importance of creativity and science-driven approaches in achieving a world free from hunger, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Prize
The winner of the UN FAO Innovation Award 2026 will receive:
- A cash prize of USD 10,000
- An official scroll of recognition honoring their innovative achievement
This recognition not only rewards innovation but also promotes visibility and encourages further replication of the awarded solution globally.
Application Deadline
The deadline for nominations and submissions is 15 February 2026.
All entries must be submitted before the closing date to be considered for evaluation.
Eligibility — Who Can Apply or Be Nominated
The award is open to a broad range of applicants and nominees, including:
- FAO Member States and national institutions
- Individuals making significant innovative contributions
- International and regional organizations
- Academic and research institutions
- Civil society organizations
- Private sector entities
- FAO employees who have contributed to innovative initiatives under FAO’s mandate
FAO welcomes nominations across all regions and disciplines that reflect the diversity and ingenuity driving change in food and agriculture.
Types of Innovation Recognized
Innovations considered for this award may include:
- Technological innovations such as digital tools, biotechnology, or smart farming solutions
- Social or financial innovations that improve livelihoods and market access
- Policy or institutional innovations that shape better governance systems
- Sustainable production practices, including agroecological methods or novel business models
FAO encourages entries that demonstrate measurable improvements in sustainability, inclusiveness, and efficiency across the agrifood chain.
Evaluation Criteria
Nominations and applications for the UN FAO Innovation Award 2026 will be assessed based on:
- Impact and sustainability of the innovation
- Quality, originality, and merit of the idea
- Scalability and cost-effectiveness
- Accessibility and affordability
- Inclusivity and social reach, particularly involving youth (under 35), women, and marginalized groups
The selection process emphasizes innovations that are both transformative and adaptable across diverse global contexts.
How to Apply
To participate in the UN FAO Innovation Award 2026, interested candidates and institutions must complete the official nomination or application form available on FAO’s website. Applicants are encouraged to provide clear evidence of impact, scalability, and sustainability of their innovation.
Learn More and Apply
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