Agraya is proud to have served as the sponsor of the IFAMA 2025 Venture Building Challenge (VBC), a fast-paced, fully online global competition that brought together students and young professionals from the agriculture sector on 13–14 November, followed by a global awards ceremony on 17 November 2025.
This year’s event reached exceptional scale and impact, with 27 teams from six continents applying their creativity, technical skills, and business insight to address a real-world challenge for Agraya. Designed by case writer Luis Umana Timms, the competition pushed participants to develop implementable, farmer-centered initiatives that Agraya could scale in real agricultural contexts.
Celebrating the 2025 finalists and winners
The awards ceremony opened with remarks from Michelle Marais, IFAMA Young Board Co-Chair, who highlighted the global scale of this year’s challenge. From an impressive field of 27 teams representing six continents, 11 advanced to the final round.
These finalists showcased exceptional clarity, innovation, and farmer-focused thinking. After careful evaluation by the judging panel, the following teams earned top honors:
- 1st Place – Zamorano University (Honduras)
- 2nd Place – University of Connecticut (USA)
- 3rd Place – University of Florida (USA)
- 4th Place – University of Guelph (Canada)
- 5th Place – University of Wisconsin (USA)
Elmé Coetzer-Boersma, CEO of Agraya, shared her appreciation for the quality and ambition displayed: “There’s nothing more exciting than seeing young minds apply their knowledge to solve real-world challenges. These students didn’t just participate – they excelled and tackled the bull by its horns! At Agraya, we’re thrilled to have partnered with IFAMA Global Network and the IFAMA Young Board to sponsor this incredible challenge.”
Agraya’s commitment to future leaders
Sponsoring the VBC reflects Agraya’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector through knowledge, innovation, and emerging talent. As the corporate home of GLOBALG.A.P. and the GGN label, Agraya GmbH is dedicated to empowering supply chains with trusted intelligence while also supporting the next generation of agribusiness professionals.
We extend our congratulations to all teams, gratitude to IFAMA, and appreciation to the judges, advisors, and volunteers who made this year’s challenge a global success.
Related links:
- Learn more about IFAMA
- For more information on the events we are participating in, visit our events page
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