ESGpec is among the 12 pre-finalist startups for the World Food Forum's Startup Innovation Awards 2026.

Following a process that brought together 801 startups from 111 countries, ESGpec was selected as one of the 12 pre-finalists in the leading global innovation competition in agri-food systems, promoted by the World Food Forum , an initiative of the FAO , the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

The future of food also involves Brazil.

Transforming food systems is one of the greatest global challenges of our time. Producing enough food for a growing population, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, preserving biodiversity, using natural resources efficiently, and increasing the resilience of supply chains requires innovation on a global scale.

It is precisely for this purpose that the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, FAO, annually promotes the World Food Forum (WFF) , an initiative that brings together governments, researchers, companies, investors, international organizations and young leaders to accelerate solutions capable of transforming the future of food.

In its 2026 edition, ESGpec achieved significant international recognition by being selected as one of the 12 pre-finalist startups for the Startup Innovation Awards , the official innovation competition of the World Food Forum.

Recognition built on a global scale.

The 2026 edition received 801 entries from 111 countries , evaluated by a panel of 67 international experts representing more than 25 countries.

The evaluators brought together expertise in entrepreneurship, science, innovation, investment, international development, and food systems, forming one of the largest global networks dedicated to identifying technologies capable of accelerating the sustainable transformation of food production.

At the end of this process, only 47 startups advanced as semifinalists, and subsequently, 12 startups were selected as prefinalists to participate in the international stage of the program.

Being part of this group represents recognition that the solution developed by ESGpec has the potential to contribute to challenges considered strategic for the future of agri-food systems.

Much more than a startup competition.

Created by the World Food Forum, the Startup Innovation Awards is in its sixth edition with a very clear mission: to identify technologies capable of accelerating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals through innovation applied to food and agriculture.

The competition seeks solutions with the potential to generate impact in areas such as food security, climate change, production efficiency, digitalization, inclusion, traceability, and sustainability of agri-food chains.

More than just recognizing good ideas, the program brings startups closer to investors, international organizations, research centers, global companies, and public policy makers.

ESGpec's contribution

ESGpec was selected in the Digital Innovation in Food Processing category , which brings together digital solutions aimed at transforming food systems through technology.

The platform developed by the company integrates environmental, social, and governance indicators to support cooperatives, dairies, industries, certification bodies, and rural producers in measuring, monitoring, and managing sustainability.

Among the solutions developed are tools for calculating carbon footprint, assessing animal welfare, ESG indicators, data analysis, and decision support, contributing to making production chains more efficient, transparent, and prepared for the challenges of the climate transition.

Although it originated with a focus on Brazilian dairy farming, ESGpec's proposal directly addresses global challenges related to sustainable food production.

The road to Rome

After advancing to the group of 12 pre-finalists, ESGpec participated in acceleration activities promoted in partnership with MassChallenge Switzerland , a stage focused on improving solutions and preparing startups for the decisive phase of the competition.

The journey will conclude during the World Food Forum 2026 , held between October 12 and 16 at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, where the finalist startups and the winners of this edition will be announced.

The event annually brings together representatives from governments, multilateral organizations, investors, companies, universities, and international organizations working to build more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive agri-food systems.

Recognition that reinforces a mission.

For ESGpec, being among the 12 pre-finalists represents more than just an achievement.

institutional achievement.

This confirms that technologies developed in Brazil can contribute to addressing global challenges related to sustainability, food production, and climate change.

By connecting science, technology, and data to support decisions within the farm gate, ESGpec reaffirms its commitment to an agricultural sector capable of producing more, with greater efficiency, transparency, and environmental responsibility.