WFP Innovation Accelerator

Innovation is critical to enable the United Nations World Food Programme to deliver on its mandate to reach Zero Hunger.

The WFP Innovation Accelerator sources, supports and scales high-potential solutions to hunger worldwide. We provide WFP staff, entrepreneurs, start-ups, companies and non-governmental organizations with access to funding, mentorship, hands-on support and WFP operations.

We believe the way forward in the fight against hunger is not necessarily in building grand plans, but identifying and testing solutions in an agile way. The Innovation Accelerator is a space where the world can find out what works and what doesn’t in addressing hunger—a place where we can be bold, and fail as well as succeed.

The Innovation Accelerator is part of WFP’s Innovation and Knowledge Management Division.

INNOVATION ACCELERATOR

The WFP Innovation Accelerator sources, supports and scales high-potential solutions to hunger worldwide. We provide WFP staff, entrepreneurs, start-ups, companies and non-governmental organizations with access to funding, mentorship, hands-on support and WFP operations.

What We Offer

Funding – Apply to receive up to $100,000 in equity-free funding, with further funding dependent upon progress and measurable achievement of key targets.

Access to WFP Operations – Successful teams will work with WFP units on the ground to further develop and refine their solutions.

Hands-On Support – You’ll have the chance to work with technical and industry mentors who will provide guidance and accelerate your progress.

Networking – Teams will be able to tap into and leverage our strong network of public, private, and government partners to accelerate implementation.

How It Works

Innovation Bootcamp
At the Bootcamp in Munich, Germany, selected teams deep dive field-level challenges, ideate solutions and refine project plans. WFP introduces participants to cutting-edge innovation techniques, such as human-centred

Pitch Night
The week-long Bootcamp culminates with Pitch Night – an opportunity for teams to share their solutions with an audience of investors and industry leaders who can help them bring to scale.

Sprint Programme
The best teams are selected to participate in a 3- to 6-month Sprint Programme, where they receive up to USD 100,000 in funding, field access and hands-on support, so that they can test the solution’s impact and scalability for WFP.

Eligibility Requirements

• 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.

How We Select Innovations

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:

• Impact for the people we serve and potential to reach Zero Hunger
• Feasibility, including time to deliver impact, technology maturity, and user traction
• Level of innovation
• Financial sustainability with a clear business case that does not rely on WFP funding
• Team strength, experience, and commitment