The second cycle of the Youth Food Lab (YFL) incubator programme culminated during the World Food Forum (WFF) flagship event in October 2024 at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome, Italy.
Established in partnership with Wageningen University & Research (WUR) and the International Association of Students in Agricultural and Related Sciences (IAAS) in 2023, the YFL programme empowers young innovators to address agrifood systems challenges by transforming ideas into sustainable business ventures.
A Global Cohort of Innovators
The 2024 programme welcomed nine ingenious teams from India, Indonesia, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, and Uganda. Their projects targeted diverse challenges, including tackling food waste, eradicating Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), and conserving wetlands.
Through mentorship, master classes, and networking opportunities, participants developed their skills and brought their solutions closer to implementation. Highlights included guidance from WFF experts and engagement with global stakeholders.
In-Person Showcasing in Rome
All nine teams were invited to present their projects in person at the WFF flagship event, supported by travel allowances and USD 2,000 in seed funding per team. The People's Choice Award, which included an additional USD 2,000, was awarded to Team Ecoliving from Indonesia. Their inspiring work resonated deeply with the audience.
High-Level Insights and Networking
Key figures, including FAO Deputy Director-General Beth Bechdol, U.S. Representative to the UN Agencies for Food and Agriculture Jeffrey Prescott, and Dutch Permanent Representative Marcel Beukeboom, addressed the event, highlighting the importance of youth-driven innovation in agrifood systems transformation.
The event also spotlighted the growing network of regional and national YFL hubs in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), Nepal, the Netherlands, and the United States. These hubs foster local innovation through partnerships with universities, FAO country offices, and private-sector organizations. Representatives María Elena Túquerres and Sadrác Cifuentes shared their experiences from the LAC hub, providing valuable insights for young innovators worldwide.
Workshops and a Vision for the Future
As part of the event, the YFL coordination team hosted a workshop at FAO headquarters. Participants reflected on their journeys, shared ideas for future YFL cycles, and began forming a global community dedicated to youth-led solutions in agrifood systems.
Congratulations to the 2024 Youth Food Lab participants for their groundbreaking work. Their commitment to transforming agrifood systems exemplifies the power of youth innovation in shaping a sustainable future.
