Global Partnership Plants Seeds of Sustainable Farming

THRIVE and IFA partner to fund startups with up to $1mn for low-emission farming innovations

2 Apr 2025

SVG Ventures | THRIVE has partnered with the International Fertilizer Association to launch a global innovation competition offering up to $1mn in investment for technologies that make agriculture more sustainable.

The 2025 Global Impact Challenge invites agtech startups to present new approaches for reducing emissions, improving nutrient use, and increasing crop efficiency. Finalists will pitch their solutions to a panel of industry leaders, investors, and policymakers.

The initiative comes as fertilizer producers face growing scrutiny over their environmental footprint, including greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution. Governments and investors are pushing for faster decarbonisation of food systems, prompting the sector to seek alternatives to conventional inputs.

“This is a critical step in reimagining the future of food,” said John Hartnett, chief executive of SVG Ventures. Alzbeta Klein, director general of the International Fertilizer Association, said the partnership “bridges science and industry to deliver real-world sustainability.”

Through the competition, participants will gain exposure to global agribusiness executives and funding channels that can help move laboratory ideas into field-scale adoption. Technologies under review may include precision nutrient systems, bio-based fertilizers, and digital tools for monitoring soil health.

The organisers said the challenge aims to identify scalable solutions that balance productivity with environmental responsibility. If successful, it could shape future investment trends and inform policy discussions on sustainable food production.

The fertilizer industry, often viewed as conservative in adopting new technologies, has begun taking steps toward lower-carbon practices. The alliance between THRIVE and IFA signals a broader effort to align commercial growth with climate objectives.

The winning innovations are expected to be announced in 2025, with implementation support and follow-on investment planned for later stages.