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United Nation World Food Program 2023 Innovation Challenge

Are you an entrepreneur with innovative ideas and solutions to build stronger and more sustainable food systems? Are you addressing hunger and galvanizing international cooperation on food security? Then apply for the World Food Program Innovation Challenge.

The WFP Innovation Challenge aims at supporting innovation which is critical to enabling the United Nations World Food Program to deliver on its mandate to reach zero hunger. Interested applicants are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity.


WFP Innovation Challenge

Application DeadlineNovember 3, 2022
TypeEntrepreneurs
SponsorWorld Food Programme (WFP)
GenderMen and Women

Benefits of WFP Innovation Challenge

What We Offer:

  • Funding: Apply to receive up to $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 units on the ground to further develop and refine their solutions.
  • Hands-On Support: You'll have the chance to work with technical and industry mentors who will provide guidance and accelerate your progress. Selected projects will be able to apply for the WFP Sprint Programme, a six-month acceleration programme that may qualify for further funding and support.
  • Networking: Teams will be able to tap into and leverage our strong network of public, private, and government partners to accelerate implementation.

Requirements for WFP Innovation Challenge

Interested applicants for the World Food Program Innovation Challenge are to meet the following conditions:

For 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.

For 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 project applications from WFP employees who are collaborating with NGOs, government or private sectors.

For this challenge, we are specifically looking for low and high-tech solutions including digital tools. We also encourage strong “wildcard ideas” to apply. Together with the brightest and best minds globally, we will be able to end hunger. WFP’s current innovation priorities are listed below:

  • Innovative solutions to mitigate the rising cost of inputs and food.
  • Innovative solutions to strengthen productivity and outcomes along food value chains.
  • Building resilient communities through livelihood creation and youth engagement.

Interested but don’t feel your idea is ready yet? Don’t let this stop you! We accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year, and applications received past this deadline may still be considered for future programmes in 2023. 

For more information, see the Frequently Asked Questions.

Selection Process

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:

  • Impact for the people we serve and potential to reach Zero Hunger
  • Feasibility, including time to deliver impact, technology maturity, and user traction
  • Level of innovation
  • Financial sustainability with a clear business case that does not rely on WFP funding
  • Team strength, experience, and commitment

For more information, see the Frequently Asked Questions.

2023 Programme Dates:

Application Deadline

  • Cohort I:  3 November 2022
  • Cohort II: 18 June 2023 (tentative)

Innovation Bootcamp:

  • Cohort I: 6-10 February 2023
  • Cohort II: 25-29 September 2023 (tentative)

Pitch Event

  • Cohort I: 17 February 2023
  • Cohort II:  5 October 2023 (tentative)

Application Deadline

November 3, 2022

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to World Food Programme (WFP) on innovation.wfp.org to apply

For this edition of the WFP Innovation Challenge, we are specifically looking for low and high tech solutions including digital tools. We also encourage strong “wildcard ideas” to apply. Together with the brightest and best minds globally, we will be able to end hunger. WFP’s current innovation priorities are listed below:

  1. Innovative solutions to mitigate the rising cost of inputs and food.
  2. Innovative solutions to strengthen productivity and outcomes along food value chains.
  3. Innovative solutions to build resilient communities through livelihood creation and youth engagement.

For more details, click here


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