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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 333 million. 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.
Start-Ups and Companies
Do you have an innovation that can end hunger? We want to support you.
WFP Employees
Are you an innovator at WFP? Let’s work together to design bold solutions.
Eligibility RequirementsIf 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 ForFor 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 Prevention2. Effective Relief Assistance3. Supply Chain ResilienceInterested 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 ProcessTo submit your application, please fill in the Application Form.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. Innovations in ActionLearn about previously submitted innovations that are already accelerating progress towards zero hunger.