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Applications are now open for the WFP Innovation Challenge: Relief & Resilience 2024 with up to $100,000 in equity-free funding
The latest World Food Programme (WFP) Innovation Challenge has been launched to find game-changing innovations that offer relief, foster resilience, and help end hunger.
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Currently, over 828 million people, which is more than one in ten of the world’s population, go to bed hungry each night. The number of people facing acute food insecurity has reached a record high of 333 million.
Additionally, the cost of delivering food assistance has reached unprecedented levels due to soaring food and fuel prices. These increased expenses, worsened by the economic impact of the pandemic, climate change, and the conflict in Ukraine, have made food inaccessible for millions, placing significant strain on WFP’s operations.
This edition of the WFP Innovation Challenge aims to identify and support disruptive social innovations that address key challenges in the fight against hunger. They are particularly interested in solutions that enhance humanitarian assistance and supply chain resilience, ensuring that every donor dollar is maximized while reducing the need for ration cuts.
Benefits
- Apply to receive up to USD $100,000 in equity-free funding, with further funding dependent upon progress and the 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 additional funding and support if they are scaling innovations that have proven their concepts and demonstrated social impact.
- You’ll have the opportunity 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-day WFP Innovation Bootcamp and Pitch Event.
- Teams will be able to leverage a strong network of public, private, and government partners to accelerate implementation.
Eligibility
- For Startups:
- Your startup must be incorporated at the time of application. It can be for-profit or not-for-profit.
- Your innovation must be at least at the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage. Proof-of-concept and initial traction are preferred.
- Your solution should be financially viable.
- Your proposal must show how working with WFP will align with your long-term strategy.
- For WFP Employees:
- 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.
- Applications are accepted from WFP employees who are collaborating with NGOs, government, or private sectors.
Application Process
Deadline: Ongoing
