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ARSX2023 - Secure Future Food Systems Through Safe and Sustainable Agriculture

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ARSX2023 Final Event: Secure Future Food Systems Through Safe and Sustainable Agriculture

We are incredibly excited to share this year’s three $100,000 ARSX2023 - Secure Future Food Systems Through Safe and Sustainable Agriculture challenge awardees. ARSX2023 challenged scientists and researchers to propose high-risk, high-reward ideas for a transformative solution to a serious agricultural problem.

Three teams stood out above the rest and are this year’s awardees:

ARSX is a challenge open to ARS scientists and post-doctoral fellows to help them develop and test bold and aspirational ideas. The theme this year centered around securing future food systems and nutrition security.

Congratulations to the 2023 awardees and all the amazing finalists!

ARSX Overview

ARSX is a high-risk, high-reward research funding competition that encourages ARS scientists to put forward their breakthrough ideas for a transformative solution to a serious agricultural problem!

This challenge will award up to three teams submitting the most compelling proposals up to $100,000 each to demonstrate proof of concept for their ideas. If you've had a bold and/or unconventional idea in this area in the back of your mind, now is the time to act! 

In ARSX2023, the teams submitting the 10 most compelling ideas will be selected as Phase 1 winners (finalists). These teams will have several weeks to participate in an innovation forum, to refine their ideas, and to build out their pitches. At the end of Phase 2, finalists will present their pitches to a panel of judges and an audience of their peers and colleagues. ​The judges will award up to $100,000 each to the top three teams.

In addition to the three $100,000 prizes, this challenge offers participants a chance to build new relationships across disciplines and geographies, and Phase 1 winners will have access to both group and individual pitch coaching.

Timeline of Events

Challenge Launch April 6, 2023
Workshop May 4, 2023
Q&A Webinar  May 18, 2023
Phase 1 Submission Deadline June 6, 2023
Phase 1 1 Semi-Finalists Announced July 12, 2023
Phase 2 Innovation Forum and Training July 12 - August 23, 2023
Phase 2 Live Pitches, Final Event and Winners Announced September 8, 2023

How to Get Involved

Register at the HeroX website​.*

Check out the past events. 

ARSX2022 - Close the Loop: Innovations for a Circular Economy in Agriculture

ARSX2021 - Harvest for a Healthier Future

ARSX2020 - Disruptive Pests and Pathogens