Corporate Challenges Grant

About this grant

THRIVE AgTech Programs runs Corporate Challenges as custom startup challenges designed to advance the sustainability goals of THRIVE's corporate partners. These challenges are developed in collaboration with major corporations—past examples include challenges with IFA, Shell, and Bayer—to help corporates discover and engage with innovative startups that can address specific strategic and sustainability priorities. The Corporate Challenges sit within THRIVE's broader ecosystem of innovation programs, which connect leading corporations with agrifoodtech startups from ideation through to scale-up stages. Through these challenges, THRIVE facilitates intentional engagement between corporate partners and startup innovators, helping both parties build relationships that can lead to pilots, partnerships, and commercial traction. The program is part of THRIVE's overall mission to advance the food and agriculture industries by bridging the gap between emerging technology and real-world application.

Eligibility

Eligibility is not explicitly detailed on the page. Based on the context provided, the Corporate Challenges are designed for startups and scaleup innovators working in the agrifoodtech sector whose solutions align with the specific sustainability and innovation goals of the sponsoring corporate partner. Each corporate challenge is custom-designed, so eligibility criteria likely vary by challenge (e.g., IFA, Shell, Bayer challenges would each have their own requirements). General THRIVE programs support startups from ideation through Series A and beyond, suggesting that applicants at various stages may be eligible depending on the specific challenge.

How it's scored

Evaluation criteria are not explicitly described on the page. Given the program's framing, startups are likely assessed on the relevance of their solution to the corporate partner's sustainability and innovation goals, the stage and viability of their technology, and the potential for commercial partnership or pilot engagement.

Key requirements

• ✓Startup must address sustainability goals aligned with corporate partner priorities (Shell, Bayer, IFA)
• ✓Focus on agrifoodtech innovation and solutions
• ✓Participation in custom challenge format with defined problem statements

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for Corporate Challenges?

Eligibility covers organisations in GLOBAL; startup, sme. See the eligibility criteria above for the full conditions.

Relevant sectors

About this sector

Food systems funding covers sustainable production, supply-chain resilience, food loss, nutrition and smallholder livelihoods. It is offered by agriculture and development agencies, multilateral programmes and foundations, often with a focus on low- and middle-income countries. Applicants are generally asked to show local partnerships and how benefits reach farmers or consumers.