Smart Global Grains Trade Challenge 2026 (SGGT Challenge)
By International Grains Council
Check your eligibility
Sign up and we'll tell you whether your startup qualifies for this grant.
Quick Answer
A global innovation challenge by IGC and IMEAA Ecosystem to spotlight technology-led solutions in grains trade digitalisation, with a US$150,000 prize pool.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- International Grains Council
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- International
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 7 May 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by International Grains Council. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this competition
About the Challenge The Smart Global Grains Trade Challenge 2026 (SGGT Challenge) is a global innovation challenge launched by the International Grains Council (IGC) and the India Middle East Agri Alliance Ecosystem (IMEAA Ecosystem) to identify and spotlight the most innovative technology-led solutions in grains trade digitalisation. Each year, more than 500 million metric tonnes of cereals and grains, valued at around US$156 billion, move across over 140 exporting countries — a vast network underpinning livelihoods, food security, and economic value addition that is increasingly being reshaped by AI, data, and digitisation.
Who Should Apply The challenge is open to startups, scaleups, and technology builders working on solutions across the grain trade value chain — from market intelligence and trade finance to logistics, traceability, ESG, and farmer-origination platforms. Indian agritech, fintech, supply-chain and AI startups are explicitly within scope through the IMEAA Ecosystem partnership.
Tracks / Themes Submissions are invited across 19 tracks, including: Core Grains Trade Systems (Agri-ERP, CTRM, contract management); Digital Marketplaces & Trading Platforms; Trade Finance & Fintech; Payments & Settlement; Logistics & Supply Chain Tech; Storage, Warehousing & Inventory; Data, AI & Market Intelligence; Traceability, Transparency & ESG; Quality, Testing & Inspection; Documentation & Workflow Automation; Risk Management & Insurance; Farmer & Origination Platforms; Government & Policy Integration Tech; Climate & Sustainability Tech; Digital Identity & Trust Layer; Communication & Collaboration; Analytics for Governments & Institutions; SME Enablement Platforms; and Integrated Full-Stack Trade OS platforms.
Format & Timeline
- Challenge opens: 23 March 2026
- Submission deadline: 7 May 2026
- Jury decision: 15 May 2026
- Presentations and Awards: 10 June 2026 at IET Savoy Place, London, as part of London Grains Week and the International Grains Conference 2026
Prizes Total prize pool of US$150,000 (~₹1.35 crore), with winners presenting at the International Grains Conference 2026 in London.
How to Apply Apply via the Accubate listing linked above before 11:59:59 PM on 7 May 2026. Queries can be directed to digitalchallenge@igc.int or info@imeaa.org.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Organizers
The International Grains Council (IGC) is an intergovernmental organisation based in London. Its members are the parties to the Grains Trade Convention, 1995. It provides grain market analysis, holds an annual conference and free webinars, and in 2026 ran a global challenge for…
Learn morePrizes & Awards
What You Get
- US$150,000 total prize pool.
- Winners will present at the International Grains Conference 2026 in London.
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
- 2
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
- 3
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 4
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
