IFA lanza la segunda edición del Global Cultivate Challenge para startups de nutrición vegetal
The International Fertilizer Association (IFA) has announced the launch of the second edition of the IFA Cultivate Challenge, its flagship startup competition designed to accelerate innovation in sustainable plant nutrition and the wider fertilizer value chain. Applications are now open to eligible startups worldwide, with submissions closing 27 March.
Building on a highly successful inaugural edition, the 2026/2027 Cultivate Challenge introduces new thematic focus areas and an expanded package of benefits. The program provides privileged access to a $200 billion industry and reflects IFA’s continued commitment to fostering global collaboration and supporting solutions that contribute to feeding the world sustainably.
As global food systems face mounting pressures — from population growth and climate volatility, to soil degradation and geopolitical events — innovation in plant nutrition has never been more critical.
Sustainable fertilizers and climate-smart agriculture solutions are central to strengthening food system resilience while reducing environmental impacts. Startups are increasingly driving this transformation, bringing new technologies, digital tools, biological solutions and other efficiency-enhancing innovations across the fertilizer value chain.
Through the Cultivate Challenge, IFA and its Innovation Hub aim to identify and support the most promising agtech startups operating within plant nutrition and related fields. The second edition maintains its global scope, welcoming companies from pre-seed to Series B stage that are aligned with the industry’s priority challenges, as outlined on the application webpage.
What’s New in the Second Edition?
The second edition introduces refined focus areas aligned with evolving industry priorities and an expanded package of benefits, including greater visibility and engagement opportunities across the global fertilizer and agrifood ecosystem.
Finalists will receive a comprehensive, one-year tailored growth and business development program designed to accelerate scale and market access.
The prize package includes a cash award, free IFA membership, travel stipends, and complementary places at leading industry events. Participants will also benefit from mentorship, workshops, opportunities to pitch at major international agrifood and fertilizer conferences, and direct access to industry leaders, corporates and investors.
Delivered in collaboration with SVG Ventures | THRIVE, the Cultivate Challenge connects selected startups to a global innovation platform spanning established fertilizer producers, agri-input companies, technology providers, and capital partners. This cross-sector engagement is intended to support individual companies while also strengthening the broader innovation pipeline within sustainable plant nutrition.
The Cultivate Challenge also offers value to investors and corporate partners by surfacing high-potential ventures positioned to address critical challenges in sustainable plant nutrition.
Who Should Apply?
IFA invites applications from startups operating in plant nutrition and related innovation areas, from pre-seed through to Series B stage. Eligible companies should demonstrate strong alignment with the industry challenges outlined below as well as a clear pathway to commercial scale. This year’s challenges include:
- Nutrient Production Challenge (improving sustainability and effectiveness)
- Nutrient Application Challenge (software and hardware innovations)
- Nutrient Release Challenge (chemical and biological innovations)
IFA CEO Alzbeta Klein said: “Plant nutrition innovation is fundamental to achieving our industry vision of feeding the world sustainably through climate-smart agriculture and building resilient global food systems.”
IFA Innovation Hub International Lead Jack Keeys added: “With the second edition of the Cultivate Challenge, we are deepening our commitment to global collaboration — bringing together startups, corporates, and investors to accelerate solutions that can deliver measurable impact at scale.”
Applications are open now and must be submitted by Friday, 27 March.
Interested startups can learn more and apply via: Cultivate Challenge 2026
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