IGNITION GRANTS
TALENT DEVELOPMENT
Fund and mentor middle + high school students building solutions to real challenges in agriculture and food systems.
Strengthen early ideas through research and support.
The Ignition Grant supports middle and high school students across Fresno, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Tulare, and Kings counties developing science fair projects connected to agriculture and food systems.
Through project funding and mentorship, students research real challenges, develop a proof of concept and prototype, and present their work at the Fresno County Science Fair.
Project Funding
Students receive up to $250 per middle school project and $500 per high school project for materials, equipment, software, travel, and other project expenses.
Professional Mentorship
Students work with a Science Fair Coach and connect with educators, researchers, and industry mentors as they develop and test their ideas.
Regional Connection
Students work with a Science Fair Coach and connect with educators, researchers, and industry mentors as they develop and test their ideas.
2026–2027 PROGRAM
Students taking on real problems in agriculture.
01
Middle + high school students
Fresno · Madera · Mariposa · Merced · Tulare · Kings
02
Individual or team projects
Work individually or in teams of up to three.
03
Science fair coach
Each project has a faculty member, qualified science teacher or mentor serving as a coach.
04
Build something testable
Projects address an F3i priority research area with a proof of concept and prototype.
PRIORITY AREAS
Digital Agriculture + Data Science · Equipment + Automation · Drought Resiliency + Stewardship · Equipment + Systems Testing · Small Farm + Food Entrepreneurship
APPLY
Applications close October 2, 2026
Funded projects participate in the Fresno County Science Fair in March 2027.
QUESTIONS
Mandy@f3innovate.org
Director of Talent Programs