Are you a startup with an innovation that can end hunger? The World Food Programme is seeking applications for the WFP Innovation Accelerator. This is an opportunity to participate in the Cohort II of the Accelerator Programme and the window will close on 20th March 2020.
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Basically, this opportunity is for startups and WFP employees with great innovations to end hunger. During the program, WFP will work with entrepreneurs, companies, and NGOs to build solutions that will disrupt hunger.
The team is accelerating high-potential solutions to disrupt hunger worldwide. When you win, your innovation will get financial support, mentorship and access to WFP operations, partners and technical experts
Therefore, if you have innovations and ideas on how to end hunger, this is for you.
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About the WFP Innovation Accelerator
It is part of WFP Innovation and Knowledge Management Division. It sources, supports and scales high-potential solutions to hunger worldwide. Also, it provides WFP staff, entrepreneurs, start-ups, companies and non-governmental organisations with access to funding, mentorship, hands-on support, and operations.
Currently, WPF is working in more than 80 countries, feeding people caught in conflict and disasters and laying the foundations for a better future. It is saving lives in emergencies and changing lives for millions through sustainable development.
Also, the team believes, that fighting against hunger is not just about building grand plans but by identifying and testing solutions in an agile way. Therefore, the Innovation Accelerator is a space where the world can find out what works and what doesn’t in addressing hunger. It is a place where we can be bold, and fail as well as succeed.
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How The WFP Innovation Accelerator Works
Successful applicants will attend innovation Bootcamp. Next, there will be a pitch night, then a sprint programme.
The Bootcamp will hold in Munich Germany. There, selected teams will dive field-level challenges, ideate solutions and refine project plans. Also, participants will be introduced to cutting-edge innovation techniques, such as; human-centered design and lean start-up, creating viable business models, and the use cases for WFP and its beneficiaries.
Also, in the Bootcamp, there will be a pitch night. The pitch night is an opportunity for teams to share their solutions with an audience of investors and industry leaders who can help them bring their idea to scale.
Finally is the Sprint Program. Here, the teams are selected to participate in a 3-to-6-months programme. They will receive up to $100,000 in funding, field access, and hands-on support so they can test the solution’s impact and scalability for WFP.
To support implementation, the accelerator helps teams connect with a global network of mentors, including the private sector and non-profit experts, donors and WFP Country Offices.
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Eligibility
The opportunity is for startups and employees.
For Startups
Your start-up must have been 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. Also, proof-of-concept and initial traction are preferred. Moreso, your solution should be financially viable. Then, your proposal must show how working with WFP will serve your long-term strategy.
For WFP Employee
Your team must have evidence of the Country Office support and management buy-in. You are encouraged to apply, regardless of your contract type or function.
In addition, WFP accepts project applications from WFP employees who are collaborating with NGOs, government or private sectors.
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Benefits
If you scale through the processes, you will have access to the following;
Funding – Successful applicants will 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 to further develop and refine their solutions.
Hands-on support – You’ll have the chance to work with technical industry mentors who will provide guidance and accelerate your progress.
Networking- Teams will be able to tap into and leverage WFP’s strong network of public, private and government partners to accelerate implementation.
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How Selections are Made
Applications submitted to the WFP Innovation Accelerator are assessed according to a standard set of criteria and reviewed by both WFP and external experts.
The criteria prioritize projects that are designed alongside its core users – vulnerable communities. Projects must show initial traction and market validation to ensure impact and maximize cost-effectiveness.
Therefore, preference will be given to innovations that address the following;
- Impact for the people served and the potential to reach Zero Hunger
- Feasibility, including the 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.
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Please note that the application for Cohort II closes on the 20th of March 2020. The innovation camp holds from 22 – 26 June 2020, and the pitch night holds June 25, 2020.
To get more information, click here.
