The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, along with Hatton National Bank (HNB), has initiated the World Food Day 2026 Youth Innovation Challenge. This national competition invites university students to devise creative solutions aimed at tackling some of the critical agrifood system issues facing Sri Lanka.
World Food Day, celebrated on October 16 each year, marks the establishment of the FAO in 1945. Recognized in over 150 nations, this observance highlights the significance of food security, nutrition, and sustainable agrifood practices, while encouraging collective efforts to ensure access to healthy diets for all.
Under the theme “Innovate Today – Nourish Tomorrow,” the challenge aspires to tap into the creativity, knowledge, and entrepreneurial drive of youth to develop viable and scalable solutions that enhance the efficiency, resilience, and sustainability of agrifood systems.
This initiative is supported by various governmental bodies including the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation; the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources; the Ministry of Environment; the Ministry of Health and Mass Media; and the Ministry of Science and Technology. Technical partners include TRACE Expert City, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the Sri Lanka Inventors Commission (SLIC), the Sri Lanka Agripreneurs Forum (SLAF), the Institute of Food Science and Technology Sri Lanka (IFSTSL), the National Innovation Agency (NIA), and Square Hub, which will provide technical assistance and facilitation.
Sri Lanka’s agrifood systems are grappling with various issues such as post-harvest losses, climate-related challenges, inefficient water usage, threats from pests and diseases, inadequate market connections, spoilage in fisheries, loss of equipment, and obstacles to affordable aquaculture management. However, the country’s universities offer a wealth of expertise in research, engineering, digital technology, and entrepreneurship that can be harnessed to find innovative solutions to these problems.
Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, the Honorable Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, stated, “Our universities are filled with talented young individuals who possess the creativity and determination needed to tackle our country’s most significant challenges. The World Food Day Youth Innovation Challenge provides students from various disciplines with the chance to apply their education to real-world issues while fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in higher education. We anticipate that this initiative will motivate the next generation of innovators to play a pivotal role in creating a more resilient, sustainable, and food-secure Sri Lanka.”
The Youth Innovation Challenge will serve as a national platform for multidisciplinary teams from both public and private universities and higher education institutions, allowing them to devise solutions to genuine challenges in agriculture, fisheries, livestock, environmental issues, climate resilience, food security, and nutrition.
Mr. Damith Pallewatte, Managing Director and CEO of Hatton National Bank PLC, remarked on the initiative, “At HNB, we believe that young people have the potential to turn ideas into practical solutions that provide lasting value for society. We are honored to collaborate with the FAO and the Government of Sri Lanka on this initiative, empowering university students to create innovations that can enhance agriculture, food systems, and rural livelihoods, which are essential for Sri Lanka’s economy, while fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and problem-solving.”
According to Mr. Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, “The future of Sri Lanka’s agrifood systems hinges on innovation and the creativity of young individuals. This challenge creates opportunities for students to translate ideas into practical solutions that can contribute to more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive agrifood systems while aligning with national development priorities.”
The competition will unfold through a multi-phase process, starting with a nationwide call for concept notes. Following an initial assessment, around 25 teams will be selected to participate in an online pitching round. The top 10 teams will then advance to prototype development with guidance from technical experts and industry partners.
Finalists will showcase their prototypes during the national World Food Day 2026 celebrations, where the leading five teams will present their innovations to a panel of judges and potential investors. The top three teams will be awarded cash prizes, while all finalists will receive national recognition and opportunities to engage with government entities, academic institutions, development partners, and the private sector.
In addition to fostering innovation, the challenge aims to enhance collaboration among universities, government bodies, industries, and development partners, thereby bridging the gap between academic research and real-world applications that can benefit farmers, fishers, livestock producers, and consumers.
Image: (Left-Right) Mr. Dihan Hettige, Assistant FAO Representative (Administration), Mr. Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Mr. Damith Pallewatte, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hatton National Bank PLC, Ms. Priyanka Wijayaratne, Senior Vice President / Chief Sustainability Officer, HNB, Mr. Deepal Udukumbura, Vice President of Agribusiness, HNB, and Mr. Shanel Perera, Assistant Manager, Sustainable Business at the signing ceremony.
Source: Financial Chronicle Biz English | Sri Lanka Business News.
