Convergence is a premier platform designed to accelerate the next generation of conservation agriculture solutions, bringing together innovators, farmers, investors, and industry leaders at Athene Watershed26 to scale what works for soil and water.

At its core, Convergence is built around a central challenge: How might we address soil and water health while supporting the conservation agriculture sector?

The pitch competition showcases high-potential companies and organizations developing products, services, and technologies that improve conservation outcomes on agricultural land, ranging from soil health and water quality protection to nutrient reduction, carbon sequestration, and climate resilience.

April 30: Application opens.

June 1: Application closes.

June 18: Applicants notified of selection for competition.

June 23: Competitors are publicly announced.

July 1: Convergence is held at Watershed26; awards are granted.

Submissions should address the key question: How might we address soil and water health while supporting the conservation agriculture sector?

• Applicants may represent a range of growth stages, from pilot to scaling enterprises.
• Applicants must be based in a state within the Upper Mississippi River Watershed (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, South Dakota, and Wisconsin).
• Applicant solutions should demonstrate measurable conservation outcomes.

Submissions will be evaluated based on:

• Conservation Impact: How effectively does the solution address the problem statement?
• Traction & Validation: How successfully has the solution been deployed?
• Scaling Potential: How well is the solution poised for growth?
• Goal Alignment: How demonstrably does the solution exemplify innovation, collaboration, and stewardship?

Initial submissions will be reviewed and scored by the Great Outdoors Foundation Board of Directors. The top three finalists will compete live at Athene Watershed26 on July 1, where they will be assessed by an expert slate of judges as well as by live audience voting.

The top three finalists will receive:

• 1st Place: $50,000
• 2nd Place: $10,000
• 3rd Place: $5,000

Please direct all Convergence questions to marketing@greatoutdoorsfoundation.org. You’ll receive a response from our team as soon as possible!