A global competition to identify and spotlight the most innovative technology-led solutions in grains trade digitalisation.

Every year, more than 500 million metric tonnes of cereals and grains, valued at around US$156 billion, move across over 140 exporting countries to close to 200 countries worldwide. This vast trade network connects thousands of grain trade stakeholders, supports millions of farmers, and helps feed billions of consumers. Grain trade is far more than the movement of commodities. It underpins livelihoods, creates local jobs, generates value addition across economies, strengthens small businesses, and plays a critical role in improving food and nutrition security between surplus and deficit regions. As supply chains become more complex and fragmented, and as climate and geopolitical risks intensify, the case for digitalisation and artificial intelligence in grain trade has become compelling.

From market research, data analytics, weather intelligence, and post-harvest management to logistics, traceability, contract execution, risk management, and food waste reduction, technology is reshaping the future of global grain trade. To accelerate that transformation, the International Grains Council (IGC) and the India Middle East Agri Alliance Ecosystem (IMEAA Ecosystem) have launched the Smart Global Grains Trade Challenge 2026 — a global competition to identify and spotlight the most innovative technology-led solutions in grains trade digitalisation. As part of London Grains Week, the winners will have the opportunity to present their solutions at the International Grains Conference 2026, to be held on 10 June 2026 at IET Savoy Place, London, United Kingdom, and compete for a total prize pool of US$150,000.

Key dates

1. Challenge opens: 23 March 2026
2. Submission deadline: 30 April 2026
3. Jury decision: 15 May 2026
4. Presentations and Awards: 10 June 2026
5. For any queries, please write to digitalchallenge@igc.int or info@imeaa.org