Deadline: March 27, 2026
The Reshaping Food Systems LatAm 2026 programme is now open for applications, offering a unique opportunity for startups across Latin America to scale innovative solutions aimed at reducing food loss and waste. As global attention intensifies around sustainable food systems, this initiative stands out as a powerful platform for entrepreneurs leveraging technology, data, and innovation to drive meaningful change.
In this detailed guide, you will find everything you need to know about the Reshaping Food Systems LatAm 2026 programme, including its objectives, focus areas, eligibility criteria, and benefits.
Overview of Reshaping Food Systems LatAm 2026
The Reshaping Food Systems LatAm 2026 programme represents the fourth edition of a growing initiative dedicated to transforming how food systems operate across Latin America. It is organised in partnership with the Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh and is designed to support high-impact startups addressing inefficiencies in the food value chain.
The programme will select eight outstanding startups that are actively working to reduce food loss and waste through scalable and innovative approaches. These startups will gain access to valuable resources that can help accelerate their growth and impact.
At its core, the initiative seeks to empower founders who are building solutions that improve food system resilience, enhance sustainability, and contribute to global development goals.
Programme Objectives
The primary objective of the Reshaping Food Systems LatAm 2026 programme is to support and scale innovations that address critical inefficiencies within food systems. Specifically, the programme aims to:
- Reduce food loss and waste across supply chains
- Improve operational efficiency within food production and distribution
- Encourage the adoption of data-driven and AI-powered solutions
- Strengthen climate resilience within food systems
- Promote circular economy practices in food utilisation
By focusing on these key objectives, the programme contributes to broader sustainability targets, including responsible consumption and production.
Key Focus Areas
Applicants to the Reshaping Food Systems LatAm 2026 programme should be working within one or more of the following focus areas:
1. Embedded Consumer Waste Reduction
Startups in this category develop solutions that help consumers minimise food waste in their daily lives. These may include tools that improve purchasing decisions, enhance food storage practices, or optimise meal preparation.
Examples include:
- Smart kitchen technologies
- Shelf-life tracking applications
- Behavioural nudging tools that encourage responsible consumption
2. Process Optimisation at Food Centres
This focus area targets inefficiencies within food service operations, retail environments, and distribution hubs.
Relevant innovations include:
- Inventory management systems
- Waste tracking and analytics platforms
- Demand forecasting tools
These solutions aim to streamline operations while reducing unnecessary waste.
3. Climate-Resilient Production and Distribution
Startups addressing this area focus on minimising losses during production, storage, and transportation, particularly in the face of climate challenges.
Examples include:
- Cold chain innovations
- Spoilage detection technologies
- Climate-adaptive packaging solutions
Such innovations are critical for ensuring food quality and reducing losses in vulnerable environments.
4. Food Loss and Waste Data Infrastructure
This category emphasises the importance of data in understanding and addressing food waste.
Solutions may include:
- Measurement and reporting platforms
- Data aggregation tools across supply chains
- ESG reporting systems aligned with sustainability frameworks
These tools enable organisations to make informed decisions and track progress effectively.
5. Redistribution and Circular Utilisation
Startups in this category focus on ensuring that surplus food is used efficiently rather than wasted.
Examples include:
- Food redistribution platforms
- Donation networks connecting surplus to communities
- Circular solutions that repurpose food waste
Priority is given to systems that ensure food reaches people before being diverted to secondary uses such as animal feed or energy production.
Who Should Apply?
The Reshaping Food Systems LatAm 2026 programme is designed for:
- Startups operating within Latin America
- Founders building solutions that directly address food loss and waste
- Teams leveraging technology, data, or artificial intelligence
- Early-stage to growth-stage ventures with scalable models
Applicants should demonstrate a clear understanding of the problem they are solving, as well as the potential for their solution to create measurable impact.
Programme Benefits
Selected startups in the Reshaping Food Systems LatAm 2026 programme will gain access to a range of benefits designed to support their growth and success.
These include:
1. Expert Mentorship
Participants will receive guidance from industry experts, experienced entrepreneurs, and sector specialists who can help refine business models and strategies.
2. Investor Exposure
The programme provides opportunities to connect with investors who are interested in funding sustainable and impact-driven ventures.
3. Strategic Networking
Startups will join a network of like-minded innovators, partners, and stakeholders within the food systems ecosystem.
4. Capacity Building
Workshops and training sessions will equip participants with the tools needed to scale effectively and sustainably.
5. Visibility and Recognition
Being selected for the programme enhances credibility and increases visibility within the global innovation and sustainability space.
Application Deadline
All applications for the Reshaping Food Systems LatAm 2026 programme must be submitted by:
March 27, 2026
Applicants are encouraged to apply early to ensure they have sufficient time to complete all required materials.
Application Process
The application process is conducted online and requires applicants to provide detailed information about their startup, including:
- Problem statement and proposed solution
- Business model and scalability
- Impact metrics and expected outcomes
- Team composition and expertise
A strong application should clearly demonstrate innovation, feasibility, and potential for large-scale impact.
Why This Programme Matters
Food loss and waste represent one of the most pressing global challenges, with significant implications for food security, environmental sustainability, and economic efficiency.
Programmes like Reshaping Food Systems LatAm 2026 play a crucial role in addressing these challenges by supporting entrepreneurs who are developing practical and scalable solutions.
By participating in this initiative, startups have the opportunity to:
- Contribute to reducing global food waste
- Improve access to food in underserved communities
- Support climate action through sustainable practices
- Drive innovation within the food systems sector
Ultimately, the programme aligns innovation with impact, ensuring that solutions not only succeed commercially but also contribute positively to society and the environment.
Application Links
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Final Thoughts
The Reshaping Food Systems LatAm 2026 programme offers a powerful opportunity for startups to be part of a transformative movement within the global food ecosystem. With its strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and scalability, the programme is well-positioned to support solutions that can reshape how food systems operate across Latin America and beyond.
If you are building a solution that tackles food waste and are ready to scale your impact, this programme could be the catalyst you need.
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
