Cultivate Challenge 2026
Registration of interest for the next edition.*
Cultivate Challenge 2025/2026.
The IFA Cultivate Challenge is a global business startup competition for the plant nutrition industry designed to identify, connect, and scale high-impact innovators in support of the industry’s vision to feed the world sustainably.
After a successful launch to its first edition, IFA is pleased to host a second and scaled edition of the Cultivate Challenge.
With a new set of priority themes, strengthened partnerships, and more opportunities for our startups and industry to engage together, the scene is set for an exciting year of innovation collaboration and acceleration.
*Applications closed March 27th 2026.
IFA Startup selection criteria.
IFA provides a transparent set of selection and judging criteria to the Cultivate Challenge, and includes equal weighting of five scored criteria:
- Innovation – Novelty – Defensible IP – Obvious industry benefit.
- Business Model – Disruptive – Strong market understanding – Clear value-chain – Gaining traction.
- Positive Impact – Credible environmental benefits – Clear social benefits.
- Scalability – Large market opportunity with realistic targets – Value-chain is scalable.
- Presentation quality – Clarity, articulation and impact – Professionalism of slides.
2026 Finalist cohort announced.
Congratulations to the 13 finalists selected for the second edition of the IFA Cultivate Challenge.
Selected from more than 150 applicants, and over 40 countries, the cohort was announced 4th June 2026 at the IFA Cultivating Tomorrow Conference.
Click each logo to watch the startup’s pitch.
Airbridge
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Airovation Tech
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Ammobia
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Becaps Bio
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Bioprime Agri
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Copernic Catalysts
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Farmdar
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iSDA
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Messium
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N2 - Applied
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Puna Bio
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Sultech
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Swan-H
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Finalist cohort benefits.
Approximately a dozen selected startups will progress to our finalist cohort, where they will receive:
01
12-months’ free IFA membership.
02
Free registration to a selected international showcase event. **
03
Free registration to the IFA Cultivating Tomorrow 2027 Conference. **
04
Access to a series of professional workshop sessions hosted by industry specialists.
05
Access to a priority business profile listing on the IFA Innovation Platform.
06
The opportunity to develop direct connections with leaders of organizations from across IFA’s global membership, in order to explore opportunities to collaborate.
07
The opportunity to pitch in the final competition showcase, with a cash prize pool of USD$25,000.
**Terms & conditions apply.
Registration of interest for the next edition.*
Cultivate Challenge 2025/2026.
2026 Challenge themes.
Timeline.
Regional showcases.
Platinum Partners.
Gold Partners.
