The World Food Prize Foundation has announced the top three finalists for the inaugural Innovate for Impact Challenge: APOLO Biotech, Capsber Agriscience and Vet Konect. The finalists will be at the 2025 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue to pitch their Agritech venture in a “Shark Tank-style” presentation to a panel of judges. The winner of the challenge will receive a $50,000 prize. Second and third place will receive $10,000 and $5,000, respectively. The startups were selected from nearly 400 applicants across 65 countries.
APOLO Biotech | Argentina: APOLO Biotech addresses the challenges of climate change’s impact on agriculture and the need to reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides. It offers an approach centered around RNA-based technologies, aiming to revolutionize sustainable agriculture practices.
Capsber Agricscience | India: Capsber Agriscience’s BiointelX microbiome platform replaces chemical fertilizers with soil-native microbes that boost yields, restore soil health and cut emissions.
Vet Konect | Nigeria: Vet Konect is a digital animal health platform connecting livestock farmers across Africa to professionals via mobile and AI tools.
The live pitch event will take place Oct. 22, at the Iowa Events Center during the Borlaug Dialogue. To attend the Innovate for Impact Challenge pitch event, click here to purchase your ticket. For details on the Borlaug Dialogue and to register for the three-day conference, click here.
