World Food Programme Innovation Challenge 2019
Details
The World Food Program believes the way forward in the fight against hunger is not necessarily in building grand plans, but identifying and testing solutions in an agile way. Hence, it started the Innovation Accelerator program that provides a space where the world can find out what works and what doesn’t in addressing hunger. Moreover, it is a place where the entrepreneurs can be bold, and fail as well as succeed. As such, the World Food Programme is accepting high-potential solutions to disrupt hunger worldwide for its 2019 Innovation Challenge through the WFP Innovation Accelerator Initiative.
The World Food Programme Innovation Accelerator identifies, supports and scales high-potential solutions to hunger worldwide. Further, it provides WFP entrepreneurs, start-ups, companies, and NGOs access to mentorship, training, financial support, expert insights and WFP operations. The Innovation Accelerator is part of WFP’s Innovation and Change Management Division.
World Food Programme Innovation Challenge
The World Food Programme invites both the startups and the WFP employees for the 2019 Innovation Challenge. The entrepreneurs will participate in the following programs to refine their idea.
Innovation Bootcamp
At the Bootcamp in Munich, Germany, selected teams deep dive field-level challenges, ideate solutions and refine project plans. WFP introduces participants to cutting-edge innovation techniques, such as human-center design and lean start-up, to create viable business models and use cases for WFP and its beneficiaries.
Pitch Night
The week-long Bootcamp culminates with Pitch Night – an opportunity for teams to share their solutions with an audience of investors and industry leaders who can help them bring to scale.
Sprint Programme
The selected best teams participate in a 3- to 6-month Sprint Programme, where they receive up to USD 100,000 in funding, field access, and hands-on support so that they can test the solution’s impact and scalability for WFP. To support implementation, the Accelerator helps teams connect with a global network of mentors, including the private sector and non-profit experts, donors and WFP Country Offices.
Benefits from participating in the World Food Programme Innovation Challenge
The World Food Programme Innovation Challenge will open doors for startups to access funding resources as well as garner support from the WFP. Moreover, the best teams will receive:
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.
Networking
Teams will be able to tap into and leverage our strong network of public, private, and government partners to accelerate implementation.
Eligibility for the World Food Programme Innovation Challenge
The World Food Programme invites both the startups and the WFP employees for the 2019 Innovation Challenge. For startups to be eligible for the Innovation Accelerator Program, they must be
- Incorporated at the time of application. It can be for-profit or not-for-profit.
- Innovation must at least be at the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage. Proof-of-concept and initial traction are preferable.
- The proposed solution should also be financially viable.
- Moreover, the proposal must show how working with WFP will serve your long-term strategy.
- 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.
Selection
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 the potential to reach Zero Hunger
- Feasibility, including the 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
How to apply for the WFP Innovation Challenge?
Eligible candidates can apply for the World Food Programme Innovation Challenge by completing and submitting the online application form.
WFP employees should note that they should submit their form by using their official WFP email addresses.
Deadline
The deadline for the third cohort of the World Food Programme Innovation challenge is on 23:00 (CEST) 25 October 2019. Applications arriving after the deadline are ineligible for the WFP Innovation challenge.
Specifications
| Type of Opportunity | Entrepreneurship Events |
|---|---|
| Deadline | 25 October,2019 |
| Country | Germany |
| City | Munich |
| Open to | All Nationalities |
| Organizer | World Food Programme |