Application Deadline: July 30, 2023
Background:
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Innovation Accelerator is dedicated to identifying, nurturing, and scaling bold new solutions to tackle global hunger and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In response to the unprecedented global food crisis, the WFP Innovation Challenge was launched to discover groundbreaking innovations that address the urgent needs of millions affected by hunger.
This edition of the WFP Innovation Challenge seeks to identify and support disruptive social innovations that address key challenges in the fight against hunger. WFP Challenge is 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. Additionally, we are looking for innovative solutions that foster close collaboration with the private sector to combat the global food crisis together.
We encourage startups and nonprofit innovators to submit their innovative solutions that can help eliminate hunger, build resilience to shocks and stress, improve access to safe and nutritious food, advance equitable livelihoods and youth engagement, strengthen climate change adaptation in food systems, and enable greater resilience for vulnerable communities in an increasingly adverse and unpredictable environment.
What the Challenge Looks for:
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. WFP’s current innovation priorities are listed below:
• Preparedness and Prevention: Innovations that improve our risk assessment, contingency planning, and proactive strategies to facilitate prompt response to safeguard lives and resources during crises.
• Effective Relief Assistance: Innovations that enable efficient coordination, targeted assistance, and respect for the dignity and rights of affected communities.
• Supply Chain Resilience: Innovations that strengthen our supply chains’ ability to withstand and recover from disruptions, ensuring continuous functionality.
Benefits:
• Funding: Access to WFP Operations Hands-On Support Networking Apply to receive up to $100,000 in equity-free funding, with further funding dependent upon progress and measurable achievement of key targets.
• Access to WFP Operations : Successful teams will work with WFP units on the ground to further develop and refine their solutions.
• Hands-On Support: You’ll have the chance to work with technical and industry mentors who will provide guidance and accelerate your progress. Selected projects will be able to apply for the WFP Sprint Programme, a six-month acceleration program that may qualify for further funding and support.
• Networking: Teams will be able to tap into and leverage our strong network of public, private, and go vernment partners to accelerate implementation.
Eligibility 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 WFP 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.
Visit the Official Webpage of WFP Innovation Challenge to apply and access more information