Join the World Food Programme Innovation Challenge ( Access to up to US$100,000 equity-free funding )
Each year, WFP organize several WFP Innovation Challenges to discover transformative innovations that provide relief, enhance resilience, and help eliminate hunger.
In 2024, over 309 million people are experiencing acute food insecurity across the 123 countries where WFP operates. The combination of conflicts, extreme climate events, and economic shocks is worsening hunger, damaging livelihoods, and deepening vulnerabilities, particularly in the countries hardest hit by food crises. These complex challenges have made food inaccessible for millions, placing immense pressure on WFP’s operations. We invite individuals to submit innovative solutions that can support WFP’s mission.
You can apply for specific topic-focused cohorts or submit your project for ongoing review. Applications will be automatically considered for future programs as well.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications to the WFP Innovation Accelerator are evaluated based on a standard set of criteria, reviewed by both WFP and external experts. We prioritize projects that are co-designed with our core users—vulnerable communities—and demonstrate initial traction and market validation to maximize impact and cost-effectiveness. The innovations we seek should meet the following expectations:
Your application will be assessed based on the following criteria*:
- Impact: The idea has the potential to benefit millions of WFP beneficiaries and is scalable.
- Feasibility: The solution can be effectively developed, implemented, and maintained.
- Level of Innovation: The idea introduces a new technology, an innovative application of existing technology, or a novel process or business model to solve a problem.
- Financial Sustainability: The solution has a solid plan for generating sustainable revenue beyond WFP funding.
- Team: The team members have the relevant experience and commitment to the project.
*We reserve the right to adjust eligibility criteria as the context evolves and new information becomes available.
Additional Information
**WFP Access**
**Funding**
**Mentor Support**
**Visibility**
- A dedicated Innovation Consultant will offer project management assistance and facilitate scalability opportunities.
- Strategic partnerships will be developed between the Sprint team and WFP field operations, HQ Business Units, and/or Regional Bureaus to test and expand solutions both within WFP and externally.
- Access to up to US$100,000 in equity-free funding to assess the scalability potential of the venture.
- Access to specialized mentors from a wide innovation network, including experts from humanitarian organizations and partners like John Deere, Netlight, and Google.
- Creation and distribution of visibility materials for the project to both internal and external audiences, including through social media and the Accelerator website.
- Your organization must be a legally established entity, whether for-profit or non-profit.
- Your innovation should be at least at the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage, with preference given to proof-of-concept and early traction.
- Your organization should either already have a presence or be willing to establish one in any of the 123 countries and territories where WFP operates.
- Your proposal should demonstrate how collaborating with WFP aligns with your long-term goals.
- Your innovation should have a feasible plan for implementation during the six-month Sprint, utilizing the available funding, with a clear strategy for scaling.
For more details, refer to the Frequently Asked Questions.
**If You Are a WFP Employee:**
- Your team must have documented support from the Country Office and management approval.
- WFP employees are encouraged to apply, regardless of contract type or role.
- We welcome applications from WFP staff.
For further information, see the Frequently Asked Questions.
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