Innovative Solutions for Relief and Resilience: WFP Innovation Challenge

Apply to receive up to USD 100,000 in equity-free funding, mentorship, and access to the world’s largest humanitarian organization.

We are excited to announce the latest WFP Innovation Challenge, seeking groundbreaking innovations that provide relief, foster resilience, and combat hunger.

Addressing a Global Crisis

Every night, over 828 million people go to bed hungry, and 333 million face severe food insecurity.

The cost of delivering food assistance has soared due to rising food and fuel prices, exacerbated by the economic impacts of the pandemic, climate change, and conflicts such as in Ukraine.

This has made food inaccessible for millions and strained WFP’s resources.

Seeking Disruptive Innovations

This year’s challenge focuses on identifying and supporting social innovations that tackle hunger effectively.

We are particularly interested in solutions that enhance humanitarian assistance and strengthen supply chain resilience, ensuring that every donor dollar has maximum impact.

Do you have a startup or innovation that can provide relief or enhance supply chain resilience? Join us in our mission to achieve zero hunger and transform lives.

WFP’s Innovation Priorities

  • Preparedness and Prevention: Innovations that enhance risk assessment, contingency planning, and proactive strategies for crisis response.
  • Effective Relief Assistance: Solutions that improve coordination, provide targeted aid, and uphold the dignity and rights of affected communities.
  • Supply Chain Resilience: Innovations that bolster supply chain functionality and recovery from disruptions.

Apply Now

Start-Ups and Companies: Do you have an innovation that can help end hunger? We want to support you. Apply Here

WFP Employees: Are you an innovator within WFP? Let’s collaborate to create bold solutions. Apply Here

Programme Details

Funding: Up to USD 100,000 in equity-free funding, with potential for additional funding based on progress and key targets.

Access to WFP Operations: Work with WFP’s global network across more than 120 countries and territories.

Hands-On Support: Receive guidance from technical and industry mentors to accelerate your innovation.

Networking: Leverage our strong network of public, private, and government partners.

How It Works

  1. Innovation Bootcamp: Five-day workshops to delve into challenges and refine solutions. Held twice a year with a competitive application process.
  2. Pitch Event: Showcase your solution to partners, investors, and officials for non-dilutive cash awards.
  3. Sprint Programme: A six-month acceleration programme with funding, mentorship, and access to WFP’s operations.
  4. Pre-Scale Phase: Refine your solution before entering the Scale-Up Enablement Programme.
  5. Scale-Up Enablement: Tailored support for high-impact innovations.
  6. Graduation: Match with sponsors for sustainable growth, either within WFP or as standalone businesses.

Eligibility Requirements

For Start-Ups:

  • Must be incorporated at the time of application (for-profit or not-for-profit).
  • Innovation should be at least at the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage.
  • Financial viability and alignment with WFP’s long-term strategy are essential.

For WFP Employees:

  • Evidence of Country Office support and management buy-in is required.
  • Open to employees of all contract types and functions, including those collaborating with NGOs, government, or private sectors.

What We Are Looking For

We seek both low and high-tech solutions that enable early planning and effective relief assistance delivery. We welcome strong “wildcard” entries and aim to end hunger with the brightest minds globally.

Application Process

To apply, please fill in the [Application Form]. If you know of a relevant social innovation, complete the [Referral Submission Form]. We review and match successful applications with WFP Innovation Bootcamps within six months.

Innovations in Action

Discover previously submitted innovations that are accelerating progress towards zero hunger:

Building Blocks: A blockchain network for humanitarian assistance. Sanku: A micronutrient dosifier fortifying flour. Optimus: Data-driven insights to save lives.

Start-Ups and Companies: Do you have an innovation that can end hunger? We want to support you. Apply Here

WFP Employees: Are you an innovator within WFP? Let’s work together to design bold solutions. Apply Here

Leave a Comment