Award categories and how to apply
Be part of the 2026 Changemaker Awards
The Changemaker Awards offer an opportunity to elevate your work on a global stage, backed by the credibility of an international jury of sector leaders.
Shortlisted initiatives are celebrated live at the AGRAYA SUMMIT 2026, gaining powerful visibility across our global channels.
How to apply:
You can apply through our application portal.
All applications must be completed in English and submitted before 15 May 2026 (CET). Late entries will not be accepted.
Please note you may apply to one award category only – read the descriptions of each category carefully and decide which best fits your initiative. Multiple entries for the same initiative will not be accepted.
Please be prepared to provide clear examples, data, and supporting materials that demonstrate your impact, such as:
- A short description of your initiative or project
- Measurable outcomes, testimonials, or community feedback
- Photos, videos, documents, or links to your website and/or social media pages
For more support on your application, please see our FAQ.
Why apply?
Credibility: Strengthen your professional profile with recognition from an international jury of sector leaders.
Recognition: Place your work in the spotlight – live on stage at the AGRAYA SUMMIT 2026.
Visibility: Benefit from global promotion, with shortlisted and winning applicants/initiatives featured across our marketing channels.
Community: Connect with an international network of changemakers dedicated to shaping the future of farming.
Access: Receive a complimentary SUMMIT ticket if your initiative is shortlisted. Winners will enjoy a complimentary hotel stay in Bologna and invitation to the conference dinner.
2026 award categories
The Changemaker Awards 2026 spotlight initiatives advancing the vital role of women in agriculture and breaking down the barriers they face. Applicants can submit their work under one of three categories:
Changemaker Award for Innovation
Focus
Initiatives that introduce practical, on-farm innovations helping women farm more effectively.
What we’re looking for
- Problem-solving tools, apps, equipment, or technologies
- New approaches that improve productivity, sustainability, or safety
Who should apply
Individuals or teams demonstrating measurable results such as increased yields, income, productivity, reduced workload, or improved safety for women in agriculture.
Changemaker Award for Community Impact
Focus
Efforts that empower women, foster inclusivity, and strengthen fair, resilient farming communities.
What we’re looking for
- Initiatives improving livelihoods, market access, wellbeing, or community resilience
- Programs or activities that create positive, inclusive change
Who should apply
Womenled groups, community development projects, training programs, or anyone whose work meaningfully supports women in agricultural communities.
Changemaker Award for Sustainability
Focus
Projects driving systemic change toward sustainable food and farming systems.
What we’re looking for
- Climate-smart practices, green innovations, or policy initiatives
- Demonstrated improvements in resource management, waste reduction, productivity, local markets, or community resilience
Who should apply
Sustainability-focused initiatives or leaders – including women in green entrepreneurship or those shaping policies that advance sustainable farming and support women in agriculture.
FAQ
Who can apply?
All applicants, regardless of location, sector, age category, and gender, are eligible to apply if their initiative demonstrates a tangible link to supporting women in agriculture.
How do I apply?
Please use our application portal. All applications must be completed in English and submitted before 15 May 2026. Late entries will not be accepted. Please note you may apply to one award category only per project/initiative.
How do the Changemaker Awards connect with the UN IYWF? Do I need to be a woman to apply?
At Agraya, we aim to advance farmer empowerment and agency, drive equitable value chains, and promote inclusive technology and innovation. Women farmers are central to these focus areas, which is why the 2026 Changemaker Awards connect with the UN’s International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026. The Changemaker Awards program is open to everyone (not limited to women), however every applicant must demonstrate how their initiative benefits women in agriculture and/or supply chains.
How do I nominate a person or project?
It is not possible to nominate another person or project – please invite eligible applicants to apply directly with their project or initiative using the application portal.
How will entries be judged?
Our international jury of selected leaders will review applications and decide on the shortlist and winners.
What kind of evidence do I need to submit with my application?
Please be prepared to provide clear examples, data, and supporting materials that demonstrate your impact, such as:
- A short description of your initiative or project
- Measurable outcomes, testimonials, or community feedback
- Photos, videos, documents, or links to your website and/or social media pages
Is there an entry fee for applicants?
There are no costs for making a submission in order to make the process accessible for as many stakeholders as possible.
When are the winners announced?
The Changemaker Award winners will be announced live on stage on day two of the AGRAYA SUMMIT (28 October 2026) in Bologna, Italy. All shortlisted nominees will receive a free ticket to the SUMMIT to join us at the event.
Is there a prize for award winners?
Winners of each category will win a free ticket to AGRAYA SUMMIT 2026 including conference access (2-day pass), conference dinner, and accommodation in Bologna*. Winners will also receive a commemorative award on stage on day two of the SUMMIT, providing on-stage recognition and a take-home award as a tangible symbol of success.
*Travel excluded; Finalists may be eligible to apply for limited travel funds, situation dependent.
What does the free ticket for nominees cover?
All successfully shortlisted nominees will receive a free two-day ticket for the AGRAYA SUMMIT 2026 in Bologna, Italy. This includes full access to SUMMIT sessions.
Travel and accommodation is excluded, however finalists may be eligible to apply for limited travel funds, situation dependent.
