Applications for the UNICEF StartUp Lab Accelerator Programme are now open. UNICEF StartUp Lab, launched in 2019, is a six-month accelerator programme for impactful startups and businesses working to advance the Sustainable Development Goals for children and young people.
The programme is led by UNICEF in Ghana, supported by KOICA and implemented by MEST Africa. It provides a unique service by integrating an intense, hands-on business acceleration through wide-reaching technical expertise and systems knowledge in the social sector, led by the UNICEF experts in Education, Health & Nutrition, Social Policy & Protection, WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene), and Child Protection. The participants have access to individual mentorship, network of UN System partners, prototyping funding, and many other support mechanisms.
Designed to catalyze growth and innovation, the programme targets impact-driven startups in Ghana with a technology-centric approach. Aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals, it emphasizes social impact and product development, fostering open-source solutions. Geographically inclusive, it warmly welcomes diverse ventures from all regions of Ghana, with a particular focus on empowering women-led businesses.
Eligibility
Your startup has been operational for 1+ yearYour startup is a registered business in Ghana (no NGOs, foundations, or individuals)Your startup has technology as the core enabler of the businessYour startup has a business model with a social impact that addresses at least one of the Sustainable Development Goals
Open-source solutions, or startups that are willing to open-source their solutions, are particularly encouraged to applyStartups with female founders/co-founders are encouraged to applyThe programme is designed to include startups from all regions of GhanaStartups related to Health Tech, EdTech, Urban Tech, Climate Action, Fintech and WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) are strongly encouraged to apply
Target Areas
HealthTechEdTechUrbanTechClimate ActionChild ProtectionFinTechWASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene)
Benefits
FUNDING
Each startup receives up to GHS 32,000 for product development
INVESTMENT
Global funding opportunities including UNICEF Venture Fund
PARTNERSHIPS
Access to a wide network of UN System partners
GROWTH
Intense, hands-on practical business acceleration
KNOWLEDGE
Direct access to resources and social sector programme experts
RESOURCES
Technology perks for participating startups
For More Information,
Visit the Official Webpage
Application Deadline: February 29th, 2024.
