Apply For WFP Innovation Challenge 2024 (Get Up To $100,000 Free Funding)

Apply For WFP Innovation Challenge 2024 (Get Up To $100,000 Free Funding)

Every year, the World Food Programme (WFP) hosts a series of Innovation Challenges aimed at discovering groundbreaking ideas that can help provide relief, build resilience, and combat hunger.

With an alarming 309 million people facing severe food insecurity in 2024 across 123 countries, the need for innovative solutions has never been more urgent.

The primary drivers of this crisis include conflicts, extreme weather patterns, and economic shocks, which together make food inaccessible for millions and put immense pressure on WFP’s operations. Through this challenge, WFP seeks innovative solutions that can support and enhance their efforts.

How to Participate

You can apply for the WFP Innovation Challenge either by targeting specific thematic areas or submitting your project for rolling review. Applications submitted on a rolling basis will be automatically considered for future programs.

Key Details:

• Application Deadline: July 31, 2024
• Funding Amount: Up to $100,000
• Funding Type: Partially Funded
• Eligible Applicants: Entrepreneurs
• Sponsor: WFP Innovation Accelerator
• Eligibility: Open to both men and women

Benefits Of WFP Innovation Challenge

1. Innovation Consultancy:

• Receive support from a dedicated innovation consultant who will help with project management and scaling your solution.

2. Access to WFP Resources:

• Develop strategic collaborations with WFP field operations, headquarters, and regional bureaus to test and expand your project within WFP and beyond.

3. Funding:

• Gain access to up to $100,000 in equity-free funding to test the scalability of your venture.

4. Mentor Support:

• Connect with mentors tailored to your needs from a diverse pool of experts, including those from humanitarian agencies and partners like John Deere, Netlight, and Google.

5. Increased Visibility:

• Benefit from the production and dissemination of project visibility materials to internal and external audiences, including social media and the Accelerator’s web page.

Eligibility Requirements

For Startups:

• Your organization needs to be legally recognized, regardless of whether it operates as a for-profit or a non-profit.
• Your innovation should be at least at the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage, with proof-of-concept and initial traction preferred.
• Your organization should either have a presence in or be willing to establish a presence in one of the 123 countries where WFP operates.
• Your proposal should clearly show how working with WFP fits into your long-term goals and strategy.
• You should have a clear plan for implementing your innovation during the six-month Sprint with the available funding and a pathway to scale.

For WFP Employees:

• Your team must have evidence of support from your Country Office and buy-in from management.
• All WFP employees, regardless of contract type or function, are encouraged to apply.

Selection Process

Applications submitted to the WFP Innovation Accelerator are evaluated based on a standard set of criteria by both WFP and external experts. Priority is given to projects developed alongside core users—vulnerable communities—that show initial traction and market validation. WFP evaluate applications based on the following criteria:

1. Impact:

• The idea must have the potential to positively affect millions of WFP beneficiaries and be scalable.

2. Feasibility:

• The solution should be realistically developable, deployable, and maintainable.

3. Level of Innovation:

• The idea should introduce new technology, apply existing technology in a novel way, or offer a new process or business model addressing a problem.

4. Financial Sustainability:

• The solution must have a strong plan to generate sustainable revenue even after WFP funding ends.

5. Team:

• Team members should have relevant experience and a strong commitment to the project.

Note: Eligibility criteria may be adjusted based on changing contexts and new information.

Application Deadline

Make sure to submit your application by July 31, 2024.

How to Apply

To apply, visit the WFP website and follow the application instructions.

For more detailed information, please visit the WFP website.

Participating in the WFP Innovation Challenge gives you the opportunity to make a significant impact on global food security while gaining support and resources to scale your innovation. Don’t miss the chance to contribute to a world free of hunger. Apply now and join the fight against food insecurity.