Societal change and innovation often occur when we bring together ideas from different sectors and disciplines. Thus, we encourage diverse, non-traditional partnerships. We also encourage partnerships that have a local presence, and involve the private sector to foster sustainability.
 
The Challenge is implemented by the Global Innovation Fund (GIF), an evidence-based, venture-capital-inspired funder of scalable innovations.
 
We are seeking breakthroughs that cost-effectively improve smallholder farmers’ productivity, income, or resilience; or that help to optimize water use at the system, watershed, or basin level so as to enhance resilience or promote inclusive growth.  The breakthroughs could involve new ways to generate, assemble, and use data; new institutional mechanisms or business models for using and disseminating data; and new ways to build capacity – for individuals, firms, social enterprises or governments.  

https://www.globalinnovation.fund/apply/about/