THRIVE Global Impact Challenge 2025

Deadline: 25 May 2025

Applications are now open for the THRIVE Global Impact Challenge, a worldwide search for trailblazing startups with solutions that will revolutionize agriculture.

Aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, the Global Impact Challenge is focused on six key themes, each driving innovation to build a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable future for agriculture and food systems.

Themes

The THRIVE Global Impact Challenge is on a mission to discover the most innovative startups tackling the biggest challenges in agri-food systems. This year, they’re seeking groundbreaking solutions across six key themes driving transformation in the agrifood industry:
- Regenerative
  - Agriculture
  - Soil Health
  - Biodiversity and Ecosystem Restoration
  - Climate Resilience and Adaptation
  - Sustainable farming practices
  - Novel fertilizers & application
  - Nutrient use efficiency tracking
- Artificial Intelligence & Automation
  - AI-powered farm management platforms
  - Robotics and automation
  - AI-driven crop health diagnostics
  - Supply chain optimization
  - Data-driven decision making
  - Vertical and urban farming technologies
- Animal Health & Nutrition
  - Precision Nutrition
  - Disease Prevention and Management
  - Sustainability in Livestock Systems
  - Animal Welfare and Behavior Monitoring
  - Genetic and Breeding Innovations
- Clean Energy & Climate Tech
  - Renewable Energy in Agriculture
  - Energy Storage and Grid Solutions for Farms
  - Electrification of Agricultural Equipment
  - Carbon Capture and Climate-Smart Agriculture
  - Biofuels and Green Inputs for Agriculture
  - Energy efficiency in ammonia and nitrogen fertilizer production
- Water & Waste Management
  - Water Conservation and Efficient Irrigation
  - Waste Reduction and Recycling in Agriculture
  - Nutrient Runoff and Water Pollution Control
  - Circular Water Systems and Reuse
  - Organic Waste Conversion and Bioenergy Production
- Post Harvest & FoodTech
  - Future crops and novel ingredients
  - Lab-grown and plant-based meats
  - Sustainable packaging and food preservation
  - AI-driven and advanced processing tech
  - Supply chain & food quality solutions for post-harvest

Awards Information

Three finalists from each of the six themes will be selected to pitch at the THRIVE Global Impact Summit in Silicon Valley.
Each finalist will receive:
- Two complimentary tickets to attend the summit & pre-summit networking reception
- A personalized pitch coaching session led by an expert pitch coach
- Exposure to top industry corporate leaders during Virtual Pitch Day
- A dedicated booth at the summit startup showcase
The winning company will receive the THRIVE Global Impact Challenge Award in addition to investment from SVG Ventures up to $1M USD.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Global Impact Challenge, applicants must meet the following criteria, demonstrating their potential to deliver innovative, scalable solutions that address critical challenges in agriculture and food systems.
- Seed to Series A
  - Applicants should be early-stage startups or entrepreneurs at the seed to Series A stage. they welcome innovative ideas and solutions that have the potential for growth and scalability.
- Global Applicants
  - they invite applications from around the world. Entrepreneurs and startups from any country or region are encouraged to apply, as they value diverse perspectives and global collaboration.
- Alignment with Summit Themes
  - Applicants should demonstrate a clear alignment with one or more of the above summit themes. Solutions should address the specific challenges within these areas and offer innovative approaches for positive impact.
- Proven Climate & Environmental Impact
  - Includes showcasing tangible outcomes, data-driven results, or successful implementation of solutions that have positively influenced sustainability, carbon reduction, biodiversity, or other environmental aspects. While not mandatory, they highly value applicants who can demonstrate a proven impact on climate and the environment.