The COVID-19 pandemic is exacerbating food insecurity, disrupting supply chains and moving more people into hunger than previously predicted. WFP is seeking cutting-edge solutions to transform the emergency response and achieve SDG2: Zero Hunger by 2030 for communities impacted by COVID-19 and beyond. Innovations are needed more than ever to achieve this goal.

Financing Access to WFP operations Practical support Network
Apply to receive up to US$ 100,000 in non-equity funding, with further funding dependent on progress and measurable fulfilment of key targets. Successful teams will work with WFP units on the ground to further develop and refine their solutions. You will have the chance to work with technical and industry mentors who will provide guidance and accelerate your progress. Teams will be able to tap into and leverage our strong network of public, private and government partners to accelerate implementation.
How it works

Sign up for an innovation bootcamp
Our Innovation Bootcamps are five-day, high-intensity workshops to help your team dive deep into challenges, ideate solutions and refine their project plans. Twice a year, we create up to 10 teams based on a competitive application process with an acceptance rate of 1%, offering a life-changing experience with expert mentors and facilitators. More than 50% of the participating teams go on to receive funding and support.

Take the stage at an exclusive pitch event
On the last day of each Innovation Bootcamp, you'll have the chance to present your project to an audience of potential partners, investors and employees in an exclusive, invitation-only pitch event. Take to the stage to tell your story and compete for undiluted cash prizes. We provide dedicated coaching and mentoring to help you develop and refine your winning pitch.

Sprint from idea to impact
Our Sprint Programme is an intense six-month acceleration programme that matches innovators and startups with exceptional support to race from idea to impact. Sign up to our Sprint Programme for access to US$ 100,000 in funding, world-class mentors, results-oriented programming and PMA's vast field operations. On average, our sprint projects have achieved 69% of their goals in six months.

Zero in on what works, pre-scale
The pre-Scale phase is a period to reshape and prepare your project before full entry into the Scale Enablement Programme. We provide access to best-in-class mentors and experts to help you zero in on what works and map your path to scale.

Scale-up for global impact
We select high-impact innovations for our scale-up Capacity Building Programme, with customised strategic planning, fundraising, communications, knowledge management and mentoring support. We scale up innovations that have the potential to significantly disrupt hunger, improving the livelihoods of more than 100,000 people, increasing efficiency and effectiveness in several countries. On average, our scale-up projects raised US$ 2 million in funding in 2019 alone.

Graduated inside and outside the PMA
We combine projects with sponsors to enable their sustainable graduation, either internally or externally from PMA. Internally, we provide dedicated support to integrate scale-up projects into relevant PMA divisions or business units. Externally, we provide matchmaking support to help find the best partners and develop exit strategies to help projects become autonomous, profitable businesses. Eligibility requirements If you are a start-up...

Its initialisation must be incorporated at the time of application. It can be for profit or non-profit.
Your innovation should at least be at the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage. Proof of concept and initial traction are favoured.
Your solution must be financially viable.
Your proposal should show how working with the PMA will serve your long-term strategy.
If you are a PMA employee...

Your team must have evidence of support from the Country Office and management buy-in.
You are encouraged to apply, regardless of your type of contract or role.
We accept project requests from WFP employees who are collaborating with NGOs, the government or private sectors.
Selection of Innovations

Applications submitted to PMA's Innovation Accelerator are evaluated according to a standard set of criteria and are reviewed by PMA and external experts. Please note that we prioritise projects that are designed alongside our main users - vulnerable communities - and that show initial traction and market validation to ensure impact and maximise cost-effectiveness. We are looking for innovations that meet the following expectations:

Impact for the people we serve and potential to achieve Zero Hunger
Feasibility, including time to deliver impact, technological maturity and user traction
Level of innovation
Financial sustainability with a clear business case that does not depend on WFP funding
Team strength, experience and commitment
Start an application now at: Sign up on the WFP Innovation Accelerator website.

Start-Ups

Do you have an innovation that could put an end to hunger? We want to support you. APPLY

WFP officials

Are you an innovator at PMA? Let's work together to design bold solutions. APPLY

Deadline:

Entries can be made until Monday 14 September at 23:59 (Brasília time).

Check out our FAQ page for tips.

Find out more: innovation.wfp.org