The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, alongside Sri Lanka's government and Hatton National Bank, has initiated a nationwide competition inviting university students to develop solutions for the country's agrifood system challenges.

A new innovation challenge has been launched to encourage Sri Lankan university students to create practical solutions addressing pressing issues within the country's agricultural and food sectors. The World Food Day 2026 Youth Innovation Challenge, coordinated by the Food and Agriculture Organization with support from the Ministry of Education and Hatton National Bank, seeks to tap into the problem-solving potential of young people across the nation's higher education institutions.

The competition will operate through multiple stages, beginning with a call for concept notes from multidisciplinary student teams at both state and private universities. Following evaluation of submissions, approximately 25 teams will advance to an online pitching round. The selection process will narrow this further to ten finalist teams, who will then develop working prototypes with guidance from technical experts and industry specialists. The initiative addresses multiple constraints facing Sri Lanka's agricultural sector, including post-harvest losses, climate-related impacts, inefficient water management, pest and disease problems, inadequate market connections, and limitations in aquaculture sustainability.

Finalist teams will present their innovations during the national celebration of World Food Day on October 16, with the theme "Innovate Today – Nourish Tomorrow." The top five teams will pitch before a panel of judges and potential investors, with cash awards provided to the three highest-ranking solutions. Beyond financial recognition, all finalists will receive national exposure and opportunities to connect with government bodies, academic institutions, development organizations, and private sector partners.

The challenge brings together a broad coalition of supporting institutions, including multiple government ministries and technical collaborators such as IEEE, the Sri Lanka Inventors Commission, and the National Innovation Agency. Officials emphasize that this platform aims to strengthen collaboration between universities, government, and industry partners, ultimately transforming academic research into actionable innovations that can benefit farmers, fishers, livestock producers, and consumers across the country.