Moonshots for Development (M4D) Open Innovation Challenge 2026 This initiative fosters transformative innovation in Cape Verde, inviting entrepreneurs, researchers, and organizations to present bold and disruptive solutions to pressing development challenges. With an ambitious timeframe, this challenge seeks ideas that promise not only incremental improvements but significant advancements in environmental sustainability, social inclusion, economic growth, and climate resilience, aiming to shape a more prosperous and equitable future for the islands.
The M4D initiative recognizes the vast potential of knowledge and creativity existing in Cape Verde. It aims to catalyze the development of projects that, inspired by the audacity of "moonshots"—ambitious goals with great potential for impact—can generate innovative and scalable solutions. Whether it's renewable energies adapted to the island context, new approaches to water resource management, technologies for sustainable agriculture, digital platforms for education and health, or circular business models that minimize waste, the challenge seeks ideas that transform challenges into opportunities.
The “open innovation” methodology underlying the challenge ensures that the best ideas can emerge from any source, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing. This approach fosters a vibrant innovation ecosystem where partnerships between the public, private, and civil society sectors can flourish. Cape Verde, with its strategic location and historical resilience, is uniquely positioned to lead this new wave of progress, serving as a model for other island and developing nations. Support from the Moonshots for Development (M4D) Open Innovation Challenge 2026 will be crucial in driving these transformative initiatives.
The objective is to select and support a diverse portfolio of projects that demonstrate a clear potential for social and economic impact in Cape Verde. Selected projects will benefit from funding, specialized mentoring, and access to relevant networks, enabling them to accelerate their development and achieve full scale. The evaluation of proposals will focus on innovation, technical and economic feasibility, potential impact, scalability, and the capacity of the proposing team.
Applications are open. until March 30, 2026.
For more information and to submit your proposal, please visit: https://www.m4d.org/openinnovationchallenge
