Apply for the WFP Innovation Accelerator Digital Green Innovation Acceleration Programme (DGIx)

The WFP Innovation Accelerator and the Smart Development Fund (#SDF) are collaborating on the Digital Green Innovation Acceleration Programme (DGIx), which is powered by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and the European Union (EU). DGIx is looking for high-impact digital ventures and projects that address some of the most serious environmental issues in specific nations.

The DGIx intends to foster technology-driven solutions that address major environmental issues. The WFP Innovation Accelerator, #SDF, and other partners will select startups, solution providers, and consortiums to receive financial, technical, and methodological support. We will be able to utilize digital-green synergies with the greatest and brightest minds from around the world to eventually enhance people’s lives.

Requirements

DGIx aims to capitalize on the previously described interconnection between digitalisation and climate change by using the potential of businesses and consortiums developing digital tools for climate action in the following areas:

Adaptation is the process of mitigating possible harms and vulnerabilities caused by climate change.
Mitigation is the process of limiting and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Resilience is defined as anticipating, preparing for, and recovering with minimal damage.
More information on these issues, as well as examples of use cases, may be found here: English and French versions are available.

Geographical Interests

Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, and Togo are among the countries represented.

Your organization must have a presence in the nation of implementation (e.g., in the form of a country office or other permanent presence, subsidiary, long-term activities, etc.).
Your organization must have been a legal entity (for-profit, non-profit, or social enterprise) for at least two years.
Your innovation must be at least in the prototype stage, preferably with proof of traction and a verified potential commercial value and impact.
One or more of the priority innovation areas should be explicitly addressed by your idea.

Your innovation should have a clear path to scale (the ability to be adapted, enlarged, replicated, or scaled), as well as a well-defined implementation strategy that is ready to be implemented throughout the 12-month accelerator term using the allocated cash.
Applications from consortiums and collaborations with local non-governmental organizations are strongly welcomed.
Solutions that use open formats and methodologies are welcomed (Open Data, Open Hardware, Free and Open-Source Software, collaborative mapping, and crowd-sensing).
At least one member of the team must be fluent in English. Please keep in mind that the entire program is offered in English.

Benefits

Hands-on assistance and network access

The chosen companies and solutions will be asked to join a fully virtual 4-day WFP Innovation Bootcamp in early December 2023, as well as an in-person pitch event in Kigali, Rwanda, on January 30-31, 2024.

Funding, coaching, and mentoring

Selected initiatives will be invited to apply to the WFP Sprint Programme, a six-month acceleration program with up to US$ 230,000 in equity-free investment, coaching, and mentorship support from a global network of public health partners.

Scaling: Mature solutions that have demonstrated their concept, scale, and social impact value may be eligible for additional financing and assistance.

Criteria for Evaluation

Impact and scalability: applicants should have a clear vision, a specified target audience, and the ability to tackle the given challenge(s).
Team: Applicants must exhibit a diverse, non-discriminatory, and inclusive organization with demonstrated leadership and an entrepreneurial mentality.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate how their solution and business plan are creative while also being technically appropriate and viable.
Traction: Applicants must be able to demonstrate feasibility and target group adoption.
Business plan: Applicants must show the viability of their business plan, as well as how they expect to establish a sustainable business, pricing, and financial strategy.

The Application Procedure

To apply, please complete the Application Form by September 24, 2023, 11:59 p.m. (CET).
Alternatively, if you know of a suitable initiative or solution that we should consider for this program, please let us know by completing our Referral Submission Form. For more information, please visit: Visit the WFP Innovation Accelerator Digital Green Innovation Acceleration Programme (DGIx) Official Website. Deadline:24 September 2023 11:59 pm