Sorghum Idea Challenge

We invite you to present your idea at the 2026 Sorghum in the 21st Century Global Sorghum Conference as a competitor in the Sorghum Idea Challenge (SIC). Your participation in the SIC will include: 

• Feedback from experts, researchers and development practitioners. 
• The opportunity to meet potential new partners and begin collaboration. 
• A cash prize and expert mentoring for the top winning idea. 

Eligibility 

The contest is open to young scientists or professionals less than 40 years of age who are invested in some aspect of the sorghum sector. 

Employees and/or volunteers associated with the conference and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate. 

Only one submission per person or team will be allowed.  

Submission Deadline 

All entries must be received by 11:59 PM US – Central Standard Time on May 31, 2026.

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Submit an Idea

Guidelines

Describe your idea in a short abstract (max 400 words excluding title and author list). 

Develop the following sections:  

1. Idea (problem addressed, creativity, feasibility, vision, etc.); 
2. Individual or team (skills, partners, network);  
3. Funding (strategy and means to implement the project). 

After all submissions are received and evaluated, the entries selected for presentation will be notified to prepare a 3-minute presentation for a special session during the conference. The most outstanding project will be determined by a panel of experts and sponsors. The audience votes from the session will be tabulated and will count toward the final winner selection. 

Topic Areas to Consider 

Research and Innovation 

• Scientific experiments on sorghum genetics genomics, phenomics, etc.  
• Innovative machinery or software tools related to sorghum 
• Emerging technologies

Sorghum Production 

• Innovation for any stage of sorghum production - planting, growth, harvesting, processing, transportation, etc. 
• Technology used in production - precision agriculture tools to monitor and manage crops, irrigation, planting, or yield prediction 
• Novel secondary uses of sorghum 
• Region specific production practices   

New products and market opportunities for human, livestock, and industrial applications 

• New sorghum-based food or feed products, highlighting its role in different aspects of consumption 
• Innovative market opportunities, added-value chains or programs, biofuels 
• Sorghum food products, floral arrangements, and/or arts & crafts featuring sorghum as a main component
• Cultural festivals or events where sorghum is featured, including traditional dances, storytelling, or performances

Awards 

• Grand Prize: (to be determined by Dec. 31, 2025) 
• 2nd place award: (to be determined by Dec. 31, 2025) 
• 3rd place award: (to be determined by Dec. 31, 2025) 
• People’s Choice Award: This category is voted on by conference attendees, separate from the judges' selections. The People's Choice Award goes to the presentation that obtains the most votes during the conference session.  

Notification of Presentation and Winners 

Entries selected for 3-minute presentations will be notified within 30 days of the application deadline, and winners of the challenge will be notified and presented their awards at the conference. 

Disqualification 

• Entries may be disqualified if they do not comply with the contest rules.
• Any attempt to manipulate the judging process in any form will result in immediate disqualification. 

Dispute Resolution 

• In the event of any dispute regarding the contest, the decision of the contest organizers will be final. 
• The contest is governed by the laws of the jurisdiction where the contest is held. 

General Conditions 

The contest organizers reserve the right to cancel, terminate, or modify the contest at any time without notice if it is determined that the contest cannot be conducted as planned for any reason beyond their control. 

By entering, participants agree to abide by the official rules and accept the judges' decisions as final. 

The governing bodies of the Global Sorghum Conference retain the right to use any  photos of the entries and individuals and/or teams entered in the Global Sorghum Conference Idea Challenge for publishing in future print and/or online publications and conference proceedings.