Every year, we host multiple WFP Innovation Challenges in search of game-changing innovations that deliver relief, foster, resilience and end hunger. 

Over 309 million people are facing acute levels of food insecurity in 2024 in the 72 countries with WFP operations. The convergence of multiple crises – conflict, extreme climate patterns and economic shocks – is driving hunger, eroding livelihoods, and entrenching vulnerabilities especially in the worst hit food crisis countries.​​ These multifaceted crises have made food inaccessible for millions of people, placing significant strain on WFP's operations. We encourage people to apply innovative ideas that support WFP's operation.

You could either apply for topic-specific cohorts or submit your project to be reviewed on a rolling basis. The application will automatically be considered for future programmes.

 

Programme Dates
Phase Dates
Application Deadline Ongoing
Innovation Bootcamp TBC
Pitch Event TBC
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

Eligibility criteria
If you are a startup
  • Your organization must be an established legal entity.  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 organization should have a presence or willingness to build a presence in one of 120+ countries and territories that WFP operates in
  • Your proposal must show how working with WFP will serve your long-term strategy.
  • Your innovation should have a potential plan to implement during the six-month Sprint with the available funding and a clear pathway to scale.
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

For more information, see the Frequently Asked Questions.

Evaluation criteria

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:

Your application will be evaluated according to the following criteria*: 

  • Impact: Alignment with WFP operational priorities and the impact towards the Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger;​​
  • Feasibility: Tangible impact, technology maturity, and user traction​​;
  • Innovativeness: The level of innovation the solution brings to WFP and the humanitarian sector at large;
  • Financial Sustainability: Indicators that the solution can be feasibly integrated and financed in the long-term; and 
  • Team: Proven qualifications, entrepreneurial mindset, diversity and inclusivity.

*We reserve the right to adjust eligibility criteria based on the changing context as new information becomes available.

 

WFP’s current innovation priorities
R2C2

Emergency Preparedness and Response

For the past 60 years, WFP has provided emergency food assistance, often in conflict, post-conflict or disaster situations. Effective humanitarian relief entails effectively assessing and addressing immediate needs like food, water, shelter, and medical assistance in challenging environments. We are seeking innovations that elevate WFP’s Emergency preparedness and response operations, while enabling the ecosystem of coordination and support through the cluster approach.

 

Supply Chain and Delivery

At any given time, the WFP is on the frontlines in the fight against hunger,  delivering food assistance in some of the planet’s remotest and most insecure regions, Thousands of dedicated staff channel their expertise and use all means at their disposal – trucks, planes, ships, helicopters and even amphibious vehicles – to ensure that vast quantities of food and other essential items reach those who need them most. We are seeking innovations that foster improved upstream and downstream planning, emergency response logistics, track & trace, sustainable supply chains, and food safety & quality.

 

Nutrition and School Meals

To end hunger and all forms of malnutrition, we need food systems that bring affordable, nutritious and safe food products to all, especially the most vulnerable. We are looking for transformational solutions at scale to address the double burden of malnutrition, as well as initiatives that support School-Based Programmes to improve access to school-based health and nutrition packages. 

 

 

Food Systems and Smallholder Farmers

Smallholder farmers are the backbone of the agricultural sector in most countries WFP operates in. We are seeking innovations that support smallholder farmers and value chain actors to increase capacity to produce and aggregate marketable surplus, reduce post-harvest losses, and access markets.

 

Resilience and Sustainable Livelihoods

We are looking for innovations that build the ability in people, households, and communities to mitigate, adapt to and recover from climate shocks and stresses in a manner that reduces chronic vulnerability and protects their livelihoods.

 

Social Protection

Social Protection

Social protection plays a vital role in the pursuit of a world with Zero Hunger. We are looking for innovations that strengthen or address the gaps in national programmes and systems contributing to the SDGs, such as social registry, digital payment, and integrated mechanisms for shock-responsive social protection systems.

We also welcome solutions that address other cross-cutting themes, such as gender, cash transfers and climate adaptation.

CLICK HERE to read more about the previous edition of WFP Innovation Challenge on Relief and Resilience in 2023.

 

Closing Date

Applications can be submitted year-round via our application page and will be automatically considered for the next WFP flagship Innovation Challenge. With specific cohorts, the deadline will be announced on our website and you will have to submit through a dedicated link. 

Have more questions? Email us at global.innovation@wfp.org.