PALM Innovation Challenge | WFP Innovation

About the programme

Iraq is one of the countries, most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, facing extreme temperatures, unpredictable precipitation, intensified drought and increasing water scarcity. At the same time, rapid population growth, urbanization and inefficient water use by the agricultural and industrial sectors are propelling a demand for more water. The multifaceted stressors have led to further losses of agricultural livelihoods, especially in southern governorates, thus aggravating food insecurity. As Iraq transitions from a humanitarian to a development context after decades of conflict and political unrest, the country is focused on building a strong, home-grown innovation ecosystem that supports a climate-smart and resilient future capable of withstanding the challenges posed by climate change.

To address these challenges, the World Food Programme (WFP) is launching its first-ever call for applications in Iraq. 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.

We 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. Our 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.

Application deadline: 12 October 2024, 11:59 pm (AST)

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What we offer

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.

What we are looking for

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

Promote sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices

Cost-efficient solutions that promote smallholder farmers in adopting climate-smart production methods.

Reduce post-harvest losses

Affordable agro-processing equipment and cold storage solutions that enhance produce preservation and significantly reduce post-harvest losses.

Mangroves plantations, water scarcity, in Iraq

Address water scarcity challenges

Technologies that enhance soil water retention, reduce runoff, improve irrigation efficiency and optimize the use of limited water resources.

For more information about these priority areas, please refer to
the Call for Applications in English, Arabic or Kurdish.

Call for Applications

How we will evaluate innovations

Eligibility criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on the minimum eligibility criteria set by the WFP Innovation Accelerator. These include:

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.

How to apply

Please complete the Application Form by 12 October 2024, 11:59 pm (AST) to submit your application.
Please note that we are only able to accept applications that are submitted in English.
We will review and select successful applications in October and November 2024. While we value all applications, please note that we can only contact shortlisted applicants.
For more information, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions in English, Arabic or Kurdish.

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