World Food Programme (WEP) Innovation Challenge 2022

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.

About World Food Programme (WFP)

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Innovation Accelerator sources, supports and scales high-impact innovations to achieve Zero Hunger. Based in Munich, Germany, we provide WFP employees, entrepreneurs and startups with funding, hands-on support and access to WFP’s global operations. Through the Innovation Accelerator, WFP is leveraging unprecedented advances in digital innovation—such as mobile technology, artificial intelligence, big data and blockchain—and new business models to transform the way we serve vulnerable communities across the world. Building on... read more

Innovation Challenge

Aim and Benefits of 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 Innovation Challenge Qualification

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. 

Interview date, Process and Venue for Innovation Challenge

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

Application Deadline

How 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, visit WEP website.