NEW YORK – March 18, 2025 — Action Against Hunger, a nonprofit leader creating a future where every life is well nourished, today was named to Fast Company’s prestigious list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2025, honored alongside corporate leaders such as Waymo and Nvidia. The list celebrates organizations that are driving innovations that are setting new standards in their sectors. Action Against Hunger was recognized as one of the top ten most innovative nonprofits globally.
“We are honored that Action Against Hunger is being recognized by Fast Company for our 45 year track record of innovation, and the game-changing work we are doing today, from predicting hunger hotspots to creating more efficient and effective approaches to screening children for malnutrition,” said Dr. Charles E. Owubah, CEO of Action Against Hunger. “The world produces enough food for everyone, so chronic hunger isn’t just an issue of food. If we invest in improving the way global systems work, we can deliver on the promise of zero hunger for all.”
Fast Company recognized Action Against Hunger’s pioneering approaches to:
- Predict hunger hotspots: Action Against Hunger’s advanced Modeling Early Risk Indicators to Anticipate Malnutrition (MERIAM) aims to predict malnutrition in children under five by examining a variety of factors that contribute to food insecurity and hunger. MERIAM differs from previous early warning systems in that it can predict malnutrition up to 12 months in advance, allowing for earlier and more strategic treatments.
- Streamline treatment for malnourished children: To help dwindling budgets go further without jeopardizing child health, Action Against Hunger is testing whether a single product can effectively manage both moderate and severe malnutrition, at lower dosages. The nonprofit also is also supporting new treatment models that are simpler for families and health systems while improving continuity of care.
In a typical year, Action Against Hunger conducts more than 30 research initiatives across more than 25 countries. While many of these efforts are at risk due to U.S. government cuts to its budget for international aid, the nonprofit is actively exploring ways to sustain both its lifesaving work — every 15 seconds, a child dies because of hunger’s effects, because there isn’t enough funding for treatment — as well as its award-winning innovation efforts.
Action Against Hunger invented the first formula to treat malnourished children, screens thousands of children for malnutrition every day, and delivers life-saving treatment that is 90% effective. It also conducts groundbreaking research to promote even greater impact and efficiency, and scales what works globally. The organization harnesses data to predict potential hunger emergencies and prevents hunger by helping farmers grow more resilient crops, providing access to clean water, and engaging local communities to co-create programs that improve livelihoods, successfully advocate for new policies, and strengthen health systems.
“Our list of the Most Innovative Companies offers both a comprehensive look at innovation today and a playbook for the future,” said Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan. “At a time when the world is rapidly shifting, these companies are charting the way forward.”
The World’s Most Innovative Companies is Fast Company’s hallmark and one of its most anticipated annual editorial efforts. To determine honorees, Fast Company’s editors and writers review organizations driving progress around the world and across industries, evaluating thousands of submissions through a competitive application process. The result is a globe-spanning guide to innovation today, from NGOs to some of the most valuable companies in the world.
“By honoring Action Against Hunger alongside other leaders, Fast Company also is spotlighting hunger as one of the most pressing issues of our time—and an area where innovation can make a meaningful difference,” Dr. Owubah said. “We are inspired by the people we serve and have seen them overcome unthinkable challenges – with the right support. But conflict, climate change and budget cuts mean that hunger is once again on the rise. Today, nearly one in three people worry about where their next meal is coming from. Hunger is a crisis. Yet, by investing in innovation, it is a crisis we can solve.”
The full list of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies honorees can now be found at fastcompany.com. It will also be available on newsstands beginning March 25th.
Fast Company will host the Most Innovative Companies Summit and Gala for honorees on June 5th. The summit features a day of inspiring content, followed by a creative black-tie gala including networking, a seated dinner, and an honoree presentation.
About Fast Company
Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow business publication Inc. For more information, please visit fastcompany.com.
