UN WFP PALM Iraq Innovation Challenge 2024 (up to $25,000)

The PALM (Promoting Adaptation through Localized Methods) Iraq Innovation Challenge aims to identify and support local cost-effective solutions, both low-tech and high-tech, to build resilience and enhance climate adaptation of affected communities.

They invite innovators, entrepreneurs and organizations from Iraq to contribute impactful and fit-for-purpose solutions to strengthen the capacities of local communities to adapt to climate change and improve livelihood opportunities. WFP in Iraq will provide comprehensive support to selected teams, facilitating the development and scaling of the most promising solutions. Their focus is on nurturing innovations that are not only novel to the context of Iraq but also sustainable, scalable, and capable of bringing long-term change within the local ecosystem.​​

For this innovation challenge, they are looking for cost-effective, context-appropriate solutions, both low-tech and high-tech, to enhance WFP in Iraq’s climate resilience activities. They aim to identify homegrown innovations based in Iraq that could be implemented in governorates across Iraq. While they encourage innovative wildcard proposals, ensure they align with WFP current innovation priorities in Iraq listed below:

• Promote sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices.
• Reduce post-harvest losses.
• Address water scarcity challenges.

Benefits of Iraq Innovation Challenge

The selected innovation teams:

• will be eligible to receive up to US$25,000 equity free grant from WFP;
• will have the opportunity to take part in an innovation coaching workshop held in Iraq in Jan 2025, combining business mentoring, ecosystem mobilization and roadmap planning facilitated by the WFP Innovation Accelerator;
• will participate in a three-month WFP Sprint Programme (Feb – April 2025) to pilot the solutions and receive operational support, with the potential to be integrated into WFP Iraq’s programmatic activities in the long term; and
• may qualify for further support and fundraising opportunities.

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Eligibility for Iraq Innovation Challenge

• Your organization must be a legal established entity registered in Iraq. Both for-profit and not-for-profit entities are eligible;
• Your organization should have an operational presence in Iraq, whether through a subsidiary, in-country office, distributors, or partnerships
• Your innovation must address one or more of the priority innovation areas listed above;
• Your innovation must be at least at the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage, with proof-of-concept and initial traction being preferred; and
• Your application should include a pilot plan and budget proposal within the three months of receiving funding from WFP.

Evaluation Criteria

In addition to the eligibility requirements mentioned above, applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Impact: The solution has the potential to impact the people WFP Iraq serves, therefore contributing to WFP’s mission of achieving zero hunger;
• Level of innovation: The project involves either a new technology, a new way of using existing technology, or a process or business model that solves at least one of the problems mentioned above;
• Feasibility: The team has evidence of its ability to make and implement the proposed solution and indicates demand from the targeted users or customers of its solution;
• Team quality: The team has relevant experience and a strong commitment to the project;
• Potential financial viability: The application outlines a plan and ability to generate sustainable revenue beyond WFP funding in the medium term; and
• Context relevance: The solution directly addresses at least one of the priority areas mentioned above and is suitable for implement in WFP’s programme in Iraq.

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Application

Only English submissions will be accepted. All applications are confidential, and applicants will be contacted before any information is shared outside WFP.

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