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The UNWFP Innovation Accelerator and the Smart Development Fund (#SDF) have teamed up to create the Digital Green Innovation Acceleration Programme (DGIx).
This initiative is powered by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and the European Union (EU).
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DGIx is on the hunt for digital ventures and projects that can make a significant impact on the environment in select countries. The program recognizes the potential of technology and data to drive sustainability and encourages a “twin transition” approach where digitalization and sustainability work hand in hand to create a stronger, more flexible, and better economy.
The UNWFP Digital Green Innovation Acceleration Program, or DGIx, aims to support technology-powered solutions that address pressing environmental challenges. The program will select ventures, solution providers, and consortiums to receive financial, technical, and methodological support from the WFP Innovation Accelerator, #SDF, and other partners. Together with the best and brightest minds globally, we will leverage digital-green synergies to ultimately improve the lives of vulnerable communities.
The UNWFP Digital Green Innovation Acceleration Program has an impressive track record, having organized over 45 flagship innovation boot camps, supported over 395 teams to refine their innovations, field-tested over 120 projects, and brought disruptive innovations to scale. By joining a high-impact network of disruptive innovations that reached over 37 million people in 2022 alone, ventures that participate in DGIx will be in good company.
The Smart Development Fund #SDF has also made significant strides, refining, supporting, and scaling 8 digital solutions from the global south, expanding their impact in 32 countries. They have partnered with more than 360 institutions from the public, private, and social sectors, directly benefiting 1.5 million persons and reaching more than 13 million individuals.
With a wealth of experience and profound expertise, the WFP Innovation Accelerator and the GIZ program’s Smart Development Fund #SDF are joining their efforts to support digital innovations accelerate their growth and expand their impact globally. With DGIx, ventures will have the opportunity to be part of a community that is making a significant impact on the environment in select countries.
UNWFP Digital Green Innovation Acceleration Program Benefits
- The ventures and solutions selected for the UNWFP Digital Green Innovation Acceleration Program will receive hands-on support and access to a network of relevant partners.
- Specifically, they will be invited to participate in a fully virtual 4-day WFP Innovation Bootcamp in early December 2023, and they will also have the opportunity to attend an in-person pitch event in Kigali, Rwanda, on January 30-31, 2024.
- Selected ventures may apply to the WFP Sprint Programme, which is a six-month acceleration program that provides access to funding of up to US$ 230,000 in equity, coaching, and mentorship support from a global network of relevant partners in the public health space.
- For mature solutions that have proven their concept, scale, and value for social impact, further funding and support may also be available.
UNWFP Digital Green Innovation Acceleration Program Eligibility
- To be considered for the UNWFP Digital Green Innovation Acceleration Program, your organization must have a local presence and be established as a legal entity for at least two years.
- Additionally, your innovation should be at the validated prototype stage with proof of traction and a verified potential for commercial value and impact.
- It should also address one or more of the priority innovation areas and have a clear pathway to scale, along with a well-defined implementation plan.
- At least one team member should be fluent in English.
- The programme prioritizes ventures that promote gender equality and empower women, either through their beneficiaries, job creation, or by having a high representation of women in leadership positions.
- Youth-led ventures are also encouraged to apply.
- Eligible countries include Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, and Togo
UNWFP Digital Green Innovation Acceleration Program Evaluation Criteria
- When applying for the Digital Green Innovation Acceleration Programme, it is important to have a clear vision and identify your target audience, while also showcasing how your solution has the potential to address the challenge(s) at hand.
- it is essential to have a diverse, inclusive, and non-discriminatory team with demonstrated leadership and an entrepreneurial mindset.
- Your solution and business model should be innovative, technically suitable, and viable, and demonstrate evidence of feasibility and adoption by the target audience.
- it is important to showcase the viability of your business model, including how you plan to achieve sustainability, pricing, and financial success.
Deadline
September 24, 2023
