Call For Applications: WFP Innovation Challenge (up to US$100,000 equity-free funding)
Every year, we host multiple WFP Innovation Challenges in search of game-changing innovations that deliver relief, foster, resilience and end hunger.
Over 309 million people are facing acute levels of food insecurity in 2024 in the 123 countries with WFP operations. The convergence of multiple crises – conflict, extreme climate patterns and economic shocks – is driving hunger, eroding livelihoods, and entrenching vulnerabilities especially in the worst hit food crisis countries. These multifaceted crises have made food inaccessible for millions of people, placing significant strain on WFP’s operations. We encourage people to apply innovative ideas that support WFP’s operation.
You could either apply for topic-specific cohorts or submit your project to be reviewed on a rolling basis. The application will automatically be considered for future programs.
Eligibility criteria
If you are a startup
- Your organization must be an established legal entity. 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 organization should have a presence or willingness to build a presence in one of 123 countries and territories that WFP operates in.
- Your proposal must show how working with WFP will serve your long-term strategy.
- Your innovation should have a potential plan to implement during the six-month Sprint with the available funding and a clear pathway to scale.
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
Evaluation criteria
Applications submitted to the WFP Innovation Accelerator are assessed according to a standard set of criteria, and are reviewed by both WFP and external experts. Please note that we prioritize projects that are designed alongside our core users — vulnerable communities — and that show initial traction and market validation to ensure impact and maximize cost-effectiveness. We are looking for innovations that meet the following expectations:
Your application will be evaluated according to the following criteria*:
- Impact: The idea has the potential to impact millions of WFP beneficiaries and can be scaled
- Feasibility: The solution can be effectively developed, deployed, and maintained
- Level of Innovation: The idea is a new technology, approach of applying existing technology, process or business model addressing a problem
- Financial Sustainability: The solution has a robust plan to ensure sustainable revenue generation beyond WFP funding
- Team: Team members have relevant experience and are committed to the project
*We reserve the right to adjust eligibility criteria based on the changing context as new information becomes available.
Benefits
What we offer
Innovation Consultancy
Dedicated Innovation Consultant providing project management support and creating enablers for scalability.
WPF Access
Creation of strategic collaborations between the Sprint team and WFP field operations, HQ Business Unit and/or Regional Bureaus towards testing and scaling within WFP and beyond
Funding
Access to up to US$100,000 equity-free funding to test the venture’s scalability potential.
Mentor Support
Access to need-specific mentors from our broad innovation ecosystem. Our mentors come from diverse backgrounds including experts from humanitarian agencies and partners such as John Deere, Netlight and Google.
Visibility
Production and dissemination of project visibility materials to internal and external audiences, including through social media and the Accelerator web page.
Deadline: 31, July 2024