Application Deadline: July 19, 2023
Background
Over 828 million people – more than one in ten of the world’s population – still go to bed hungry each night. The number of people facing acute food insecurity has reached a record high of 345 million, up from 135 million in 2019.
Meanwhile, the cost of delivering food assistance has reached unprecedented levels due to soaring prices of food and fuel. The combination of increased expenses for food and transportation, worsened by the economic consequences of the pandemic, climate change, and the conflict in Ukraine, has made food inaccessible for millions of people, placing significant strain on WFP’s operations.
This edition of the WFP Innovation Challenge seeks to identify and support disruptive social innovations that address key challenges in the fight against hunger. We are particularly interested in solutions for humanitarian assistance and supply chain resilience as we aim to ensure that every donor dollar goes further in addressing hunger while reducing the need for ration cuts.
About World Food Program (WFP) Innovation Accelerator
The World Food Program Innovation Accelerator identifies, nurtures and scales bold solutions to hunger globally. We support WFP innovators and external start-ups and companies through financial support, access to a network of experts and a global field reach. We believe the way forward in the fight against hunger is not necessarily in building grand plans, but identifying and testing solutions in an agile way.
Benefits of World Food Program Innovation Challenge
- Apply to receive up to USD 100,000 in equity-free funding, with further funding dependent upon progress and measurable achievement of key targets
- Successful teams will work with WFP’s global network of partners and field operations across more than 120 countries and territories; Teams may also qualify for further funding and support if they are scaling innovations that have proven their concepts and value for social impact.
- You’ll have the chance to work with technical and industry mentors who will provide guidance and accelerate your progress. Selected social innovations will participate in a three to five days long World Food Program Innovation Bootcamp and Pitch Event
- Teams will be able to tap into and leverage our strong network of public, private, and government partners to accelerate implementation.
Requirements
If you are a start-up…
- Your start-up must be incorporated at the time of application. It can be for profit or not-for-profit.
- Your innovation must at least be at the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage. Proof-of-concept and initial traction is preferred.
- Your solution should be financially viable.
- Your proposal must show how working with WFP will serve your long-term strategy.
If you are a World Food Program employee…
- Your team must have evidence of Country Office support and management buy-in.
- You are encouraged to apply, regardless of your contract type or function.
- We accept applications from WFP employees who are collaborating with NGOs, government or private sectors.
Selection Criteria
For this edition of the Innovation Challenge, we are looking for both low and high tech solutions that enable early planning and effective delivery of relief assistance. We also encourage strong “wildcard” entries.
Together with the brightest and best minds globally, we will be able to end hunger. WFP’s current innovation priorities are listed below:
- Preparedness and Prevention
- Effective Relief Assistance
- Supply Chain Resilience
2023 Programme Dates
| Phase | Dates |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 19 July 2023 |
| Innovation Bootcamp | November 2023 |
| Pitch Event | 16 February 2024 |
How to Apply
- To submit your application, please fill in the Application Form before 19 July
- Or, if you know a relevant social innovation that you would recommend for this innovation challenge, please let us know by completing this Referral Submission Form.
- We will review and match successful applications with one of our WFP Innovation Bootcamps in the next six months. The next WFP Innovation Bootcamp will be held in November 2023. While we value all applications, we are only able to contact shortlisted applicants.
- Start-Ups and Companies apply here
- WFP Employees apply here
