World Food Programme (WFP) Innovation Challenge 2023 for the fight against hunger |USD $100,000 in equity-free funding

World Food Programme (WFP) Innovation Challenge 2023 for the fight against hunger |USD $100,000 in equity-free funding

Over 828 million people, or more than one-tenth of the global population, go to bed hungry every night. The number of people experiencing acute food insecurity has risen to a record 345 million, up from 135 million in 2019. Meanwhile, the expense of providing food aid has reached historic levels due to rising food and gasoline prices. The combination of rising food and transportation costs, exacerbated by the economic repercussions of the epidemic, climate change, and the Ukrainian conflict, has rendered food inaccessible to millions of people, putting substantial 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.

World Food Programme (WFP) Innovation Challenge 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.

World Food Programme (WFP) Innovation Challenge Benefits

Funding

Apply to receive up to USD 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’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.

Hands-On Support

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 WFP Innovation Bootcamp and Pitch Event

Networking

Teams will be able to tap into and leverage our strong network of public, private, and government partners to accelerate implementation

Timeline

Application Process

• 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.

Application Deadline: 19 July 2023 11:59 pm (CEST)

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the World Food Programme (WFP) Innovation Challenge 2023