Ag Innovation Challenge
Forecasted
Ag Innovation Challenge supports U.S. startups with funding to turn innovative ideas into products that address farm operational challenges and emerging needs of farmers, ranchers and rural communities.
Funder: American Farm Bureau Federation
Due Dates (Anticipated): June 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $145,000 total prizes; $10,000 per finalist, increasing to $100,000 for the winner and $25,000 for the runner-up
Summary: A national startup competition supporting innovative solutions to challenges facing U.S. farmers, ranchers and rural communities.
Key Information: The terms require Farm Bureau membership at submission and exclude nonprofits, prior Final Four businesses and businesses funded beyond Series A.
Description
The Ag Innovation Challenge is a national business competition administered by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) in partnership with Farm Credit. It showcases U.S. startups developing innovative solutions for farmers, ranchers and rural communities, providing startup funds to help entrepreneurs turn ideas into products that support agricultural producers in supplying food, fuel and fiber.
The competition seeks solutions to traditional farm operational challenges, including access to labor, optimizing yield and reducing operating costs, as well as emerging challenges facing agriculture and rural America. In addition to prize funding, the final four teams present their businesses in a live pitch competition at the AFBF Convention before Farm Bureau members, investors and industry representatives.
