The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UN FAO) has opened nominations for the 2026 Innovation Award. The UN FAO Innovation Award 2026 recognizes transformative, ground-breaking innovations—ranging from digital and biotechnological tools to new social and financial models—that improve the efficiency and sustainability of agrifood systems. Unlike the Partnership Award, this prize is open to individuals, institutions, private sector entities, and FAO employees. Recipients receive a $10,000 cash prize and a formal scroll of achievement. Criteria focus on the impact across the supply chain, scalability, and the inclusion of youth and women. The application deadline is February 15, 2026.
UN FAO Innovation Award 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | Food and Agriculture Organization (UN FAO) |
| Award Value | USD $10,000 Cash Prize |
| Recognition | Achievement Scroll & Global Case Study |
| Target Group | Individuals, Institutions, & Private Sector |
| Innovation Types | Technological, Social, Policy, & Financial |
| Focus | Supply Chain Connectivity & Sustainability |
| Application Deadline | February 15, 2026 |
UN FAO Innovation Award Details
The UN FAO Innovation Award 2026 is designed to identify and celebrate solutions that change the way food is produced, processed, and consumed. In an era of rapid global change, the FAO seeks to highlight “ground-breaking” initiatives that move beyond traditional methods to build more inclusive and resilient agrifood systems.
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This award emphasizes the link between small-scale producers (farmers, herders, fishers) and the final consumer. By recognizing innovations in agroecology, new business models, and digital platforms, the FAO aims to promote scalable solutions that offer high value for money while ensuring accessibility and affordability for marginalized populations.
Benefits and Specific Scholarship Awards of the UN FAO Innovation
The award provides financial capital alongside prestigious validation from the world’s leading food security authority.
Tier 1: Global Innovation Prize (USD $10,000)
- Cash Prize: A direct $10,000 award to the individual or institution responsible for the innovation, supporting further development or scaling.
- Scroll of Achievement: A detailed formal scroll documenting the innovation’s unique contribution to global agrifood systems.
Tier 2: Institutional Validation & Scaling
- Global Recognition: The innovation is featured as a “best practice” within the FAO network, enhancing its credibility for future investment.
- Scalability Support: Recognition helps winners attract partners for replicating the innovation in different regions or sectors.
Tier 3: Inclusion & Advocacy Recognition
- Marginalized Group Advocacy: Special recognition for innovations that demonstrably improve the roles of youth (under 35), women, and marginalized groups.
- Policy Influence: Winners gain a platform to advocate for institutional or policy innovations at the international level.
Eligibility Requirements for UN FAO Innovation Award 2026
- Academic/Leadership: Open to a broad spectrum of awardees, including academic/research entities, civil society groups, private sector entities, and individuals.
- Study Status: (Not applicable) Open to non-state partners and FAO Members who have implemented a successful, ground-breaking innovation.
- Visa Status: (Not applicable) This is a global award open to participants from all FAO member nations.
- Program Admission: The innovation must demonstrate impact on more than one level of the supply chain, from small-scale producers to consumers.
How to Apply for UN FAO Innovation Award 2026 (Step by Step)
- Apply for Program: Submit a detailed application or nomination through the official FAO awards portal highlighting the innovation’s novelty.
- Automatic Evaluation: Initial screening to ensure the innovation falls under the FAO’s mandate (Technological, Social, Policy, or Financial).
- Eligibility Assessment: A technical committee evaluates the innovation based on quality, merit, potential impact, scalability, and value for money.
- Notification of Award: Winners are selected and notified, with the formal award presented during the designated FAO ceremony.
Application Deadline: February 15, 2026
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the main difference between the Innovation Award and the Partnership Award?
The Innovation Award focuses on specific “ground-breaking” solutions and is open to individuals, whereas the Partnership Award recognizes institutional cooperation.
2. Can an individual win the $10,000 prize?
Yes, unlike many other FAO awards, the Innovation Award is open to individuals as well as institutions.
3. What types of innovations are eligible?
Eligible types include technological (digital/biotech), social, financial, policy, institutional, and sustainable production practices like agroecology.
4. Is there an age limit for the award?
There is no age limit for applicants, but the “Role of Youth (under 35)” is one of the evaluation criteria.
5. What does “impact on more than one level of the supply chain” mean?
It means the innovation should benefit multiple players, such as both the small-scale farmer and the end consumer.
6. Do FAO employees qualify for this award?
Yes, the eligibility criteria explicitly include FAO employees as potential awardees.
7. What are the general criteria for winning?
The criteria include quality/merit, impact/sustainability, accessibility/affordability, scalability, and value for money.
8. Is the prize money taxable?
Taxation depends on the laws of the recipient’s home country; the FAO provides the gross amount of $10,000.
9. When is the deadline for the 2026 cycle?
The deadline for applications is February 15, 2026.
10. Does the innovation have to be a digital tool?
No, while digital tools are welcome, innovations can also be social (new community processes) or financial (new credit models).
