WFP Innovation Challenge
WFP Innovation Challenge supports innovators with funding, mentoring and operational collaboration to test and scale solutions that improve food assistance, strengthen resilience and help end hunger.
This grant was recently updated
You can still apply year-round for up to US$100,000 per six-month Sprint; the page now clarifies that rolling applications are reviewed periodically. Check the new current-open-calls link for cohort opportunities and the WFP country list if your startup needs to establish a local presence.
Funder: World Food Programme
Due Dates: Rolling (General applications) | Cohort-specific deadlines announced on the program website
Funding Amounts: Up to US$100,000 in equity-free funding per six-month Sprint
Summary: Supports innovations that improve food assistance, strengthen resilience and scale solutions to hunger through funding, mentoring and collaboration with WFP.
Key Information: Innovations must be at least at Minimum Viable Product stage and have a dedicated implementation team.
Description
The WFP Innovation Challenge, run by the World Food Programme’s Innovation Accelerator, supports innovations that deliver relief, build resilience and help end hunger amid conflict, climate extremes and economic shocks. It offers innovation consultancy, project management support, mentoring and collaboration with WFP field operations, headquarters business units and regional bureaus to test and scale solutions.
Priorities include emergency preparedness and response, supply chain and delivery, nutrition and school meals, food systems and smallholder farmers, resilience and sustainable livelihoods, and social protection. Relevant work can improve logistics, expand nutritious food access, reduce post-harvest losses, strengthen market access or support climate adaptation. Cross-cutting solutions addressing gender and cash transfers are also welcome. WFP prioritizes solutions designed alongside vulnerable communities, with initial traction and market validation to maximize impact and cost-effectiveness.
