Seeding The Future Foundation (STF), the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), and Welthungerhilfe (WHH) have announced the next chapter of the Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge (GFSC). The program, which was launched in 2021 by STF and hosted by IFT, has become a premier platform for advancing breakthrough innovations in the food industry. The operations will now be transitioned from IFT to WHH, an international leader in food systems transformation and the fight against hunger in the Global South.
Over the past four years, the Challenge has received over 4,000 applications from 97 countries and has awarded $1 million annually to visionary teams tackling urgent food system challenges. The program has accelerated solutions that improve food security, reduce environmental impact, and build resilience in vulnerable communities.
“We are incredibly proud of what the Challenge has achieved and the vital role we played in helping visionary innovators bring forward solutions that improve lives worldwide,” said Christie Tarantino-Dean, CEO of IFT. “Our mission to create healthier, more sustainable, and more accessible food systems has guided this partnership, and we are confident the Challenge will continue to thrive and evolve under WHH’s leadership.”
The Challenge will continue to distribute $1 million annually across three award categories for innovations that advance equitable access to safe and nutritious food, promote sustainable and regenerative practices, and deliver trusted, affordable, and appealing solutions. These categories include Seed Grants (up to 8 at $25,000 each), Growth Grants (up to 3 at $100,000 each), and Grand Prizes (up to 2 at $250,000 each).
“Welthungerhilfe is honored to lead the Challenge into its next phase,” said Mathias Mogge, CEO and General Secretary of WHH. “At a time of rising humanitarian needs and constrained development budgets, scalable innovations that combine efficiency, sustainability, and equity are indispensable. This Challenge will continue to spotlight and support solutions with lasting global impact.”
Beginning with the 2025-26 cycle, which opens on October 15, 2025, WHH will assume full operational leadership of the Challenge. For more information about the Challenge, visit https://www.welthungerhilfe.org/global-food-system-challenge or email globalfoodsystemchallenge@welthungerhilfe.de.
Seeding The Future Foundation (STF) is a private nonprofit dedicated to ensuring equitable access to safe, nutritious, affordable, and trusted food. It supports innovations that transform food systems and benefit both people and planet. More information can be found at seedingthefuture.org.
Welthungerhilfe (WHH) is one of Germany’s largest private aid organizations, striving for a world without hunger since 1962. In 2024, it supported nearly 19 million people in 37 countries. More information can be found at welthungerhilfe.org.
The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has served as the voice of the global food science community since 1939. IFT advocates for science, technology, and research to address the world’s greatest food challenges, guiding a community of more than 200,000. More information can be found at ift.org.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Dennis Van Milligen
Director, External Relations
Institute of Food Technologists
Tel: 630-853-3022
Email: dvanmilligen@ift.org
Simone Pott
Head of Communications / Spokesperson
Tel: +49 228 2288-132
Mobil: +49 178/3700129
Email: simone.pott@welthungerhilfe.de
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