APPLY: UNICEF Innovation Fund Call for Blockchain Startups ($100K equity)

Application Deadline: March 8th, 2022

UNICEF Venture Fund and Giga Call for Blockchain-based Software Solutions to Build Capacity and Empower Communities

The UNICEF Venture Fund, in collaboration with Giga, is looking to make up to $100K equity-free investments (in cryptocurrency) to provide early stage (seed) financing and mentoring to for-profit technology startups that have the potential to benefit humanity.

Applicants will receive funding in cryptocurrency (bitcoin or ether) through our recently launched CryptoFund. Given the current global climate and a dramatic shift to a digital world as a result of COVID-19, open-source solutions that address critical needs for society are as important as ever. 

Through this call for proposals, we are seeking blockchain solutions that can address problems across a variety of portfolios including youth, climate change, learning and humanitarian portfolios. These portfolio areas are among others prioritize solutions that improve accountability on service delivery and policies; empower and actively engage young people; improve equity in access to connectivity and the digital world; and, grow and improve funding flows. 

Requirements

Projects are assessed by UNICEF Innovation Fund team and recommended for funding to the internal board. Companies need to fulfill the following mandatory requirements to be considered for funding:                                          

• Registered as a private company
• Registered in a UNICEF programme country (see list here)
• Working on open source technology solutions (or willing to be open source) under the following licenses or their equivalent:
• (i) for software, a BSD license, 
• (ii) for hardware, a CERN license and 
• (iii)  a CC-BY license for design or content, a CC-BY license
• An existing prototype of the open source solution with promising results from initial pilots
• Solution has the potential to positively impact the lives of the most vulnerable children      
• Generating publicly exposed real-time data that is measurable

Funded Ideas
i) Project is developing new technology

ii) Project is expanding/improving existing technology/ platform (i.e. it will be in a place where the technology is being used but will involve new tech being built)

iii) Project is a new application/ piloting new use case for existing technology (i.e little or no new technology will be built and it will be used in the same place)

Application Process

Step I: Check Eligibility

Interested companies are required to check the eligibility of the Innovation Fund

Step II: Submit Application

Interested companies are required to submit an online application through the Fund website. You should provide the information and supporting documents indicated in the form. 

Step III: Submit Request for Proposal 

The Innovation Fund reviews all applications and notifies companies of the decision. Shortlisted applicants are invited to submit a detailed proposal, this is called the Request for Proposal (RFP) step. 

Step IV: Demo Interview

After a careful review, companies shortlisted at the RFP step are invested for an online demo interview. This is usually a 30 min interview the with Innovation Fund team and experts from our tech teams. 

Step V: Final Result 

Based on a complete assessment of the application, RFP and interview, the Innovation Fund makes the final investment decision and notifies all selected companies.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the UNICEF Innovation Fund Call for Blockchain Startups