WFP Innovation Challenge | WFP Innovation

We’ve launched the latest WFP Innovation Challenge in search of game-changing innovations that offer relief, foster resilience and end hunger.

Over 828 million people - more than one in ten of the world's population - still go to bed hungry each night. The number of people facing acute food insecurity has reached a record high of 345 million, up from 135 million in 2019. Meanwhile, the cost of delivering food assistance has reached unprecedented levels due to soaring prices of food and fuel. The combination of increased expenses for food and transportation, worsened by the economic consequences of the pandemic, climate change, and the conflict in Ukraine, has made food inaccessible for millions of people, placing significant strain on WFP's operations.

This edition of the WFP Innovation Challenge seeks to identify and support disruptive social innovations that address key challenges in the fight against hunger. We are particularly interested in solutions for humanitarian assistance and supply chain resilience as we aim to ensure that every donor dollar goes further in addressing hunger while reducing the need for ration cuts.

Does your startup or innovation offer relief or build supply chain resilience to disrupt hunger?

Together, we can work towards achieving our goal of zero hunger and transform the lives of those who need our help the most. WFP’s current innovation priorities are listed below:

Preparedness and Prevention: Innovations that improve our risk assessment, contingency planning, and proactive strategies to facilitate prompt response to safeguard lives and resources during crises.
Effective Relief Assistance: Innovations that enable efficient coordination, targeted assistance, and respect for the dignity and rights of affected communities.
Supply Chain Resilience: Innovations that strengthen our supply chains’ ability to withstand and recover from disruptions, ensuring continuous functionality.

CLICK HERE to read more about this year’s edition.

Application Deadline: 30 July 2023 11:59 pm (CEST)

Start-Ups and Companies

Do you have an innovation that can end hunger? We want to support you.

APPLY

WFP Employees

Are you an innovator at WFP? Let's work together to design bold solutions.

APPLY

2023 Programme Dates

Phase	Dates
Application Deadline	30 July 2023
Innovation Bootcamp	November 2023
Pitch Event	16 February 2024

What We Offer


Funding	Access to WFP Operations	Hands-On Support	Networking
Apply to receive up to USD 100,000 in equity-free funding, with further funding dependent upon progress and measurable achievement of key targets	Successful teams will work with WFP’s global network of partners and field operations across more than 120 countries and territories; Teams may also qualify for further funding and support if they are scaling innovations that have proven their concepts and value for social impact.	You'll have the chance to work with technical and industry mentors who will provide guidance and accelerate your progress. Selected social innovations will participate in a three to five days long WFP Innovation Bootcamp and Pitch Event	Teams will be able to tap into and leverage our strong network of public, private, and government partners to accelerate implementation

How It Works

Apply for an Innovation Bootcamp

Our Innovation Bootcamps are five-day, high-intensity workshops to help your team dive deep into challenges, ideate solutions and refine your solutions. Twice a year, we source up teams based on a competitive application process with a one per cent acceptance rate, offering a life-changing experience with expert mentors and facilitators.

Take the stage at an exclusive pitch event

On the last day of each Innovation Bootcamp, you’ll have the chance to pitch your solution to an audience of potential partners, investors, and officials at an exclusive, invite-only pitch event. Take the stage to tell your story and compete for non-dilutive cash awards. We provide dedicated coaching and mentorship to help you develop and refine your winning pitch.

Sprint for impact

Our Sprint Programme is an intense six-month acceleration programme that matches innovators and startups with exceptional support. Apply to our Sprint Programme for access to USD 100,000 in funding, world-class mentors, results-driven programming, and WFP’s vast field operations.

Zero in on what works, pre-scale

The pre-scale phase is a period to retool and prepare your solution before full entry into the Scale-Up Enablement Programme. We provide access to best-in-class mentors and experts to help you zero in on what works and map out your path to scale.

Scale-up for global impact

We select high-impact innovations for our Scale-Up Enablement Programme, featuring tailored strategic planning, fundraising, communications, knowledge management and mentorship support.

Graduate within and beyond WFP

We match innovations with sponsors to enable their sustainable graduation, internally or externally from WFP. Internally, we provide dedicated support to integrate scale-up solutions into relevant WFP divisions or business units. Externally, we provide matchmaking support to help find the best partners and develop exit strategies to help innovations become standalone, profitable businesses.

Eligibility Requirements

If you are 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.

If you are a 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 applications from WFP employees who are collaborating with NGOs, government or private sectors.

What We Are Looking For

For this edition of the Innovation Challenge, we are looking for both low and high tech solutions that enable early planning and effective delivery of relief assistance. We also encourage strong “wildcard” entries. Together with the brightest and best minds globally, we will be able to end hunger. WFP’s current innovation priorities are listed below:

1. Preparedness and Prevention

2. Effective Relief Assistance

3. Supply Chain Resilience

Interested but don’t feel your innovation 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.

For more information, see the Frequently Asked Questions.

Application Process

To submit your application, please fill in the Application Form before 30 July
Or, if you know a relevant social innovation that you would recommend for this innovation challenge, please let us know by completing this Referral Submission Form.
We will review and match successful applications with one of our WFP Innovation Bootcamps in the next six months. The next WFP Innovation Bootcamp will be held in November 2023. While we value all applications, we are only able to contact shortlisted applicants.