D-Prize Global Competition 2026
By D-Prize
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Quick Answer
The D-Prize Global Competition provides up to US$20,000 to launch new organizations distributing proven poverty solutions in low- and middle-income countries.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- D-Prize
- Application deadline
- 16d — 16 Nov 2026
- Location
- International
About this competition
The D-Prize Global Competition seeks to address global poverty by funding new organizations that distribute proven poverty interventions. The core philosophy is that effective solutions already exist, but they often fail to reach the people who need them most at the "last mile." D-Prize identifies these interventions and then challenges aspiring entrepreneurs to design and launch new ventures dedicated to scaling their distribution. This competition provides crucial seed funding and support for individuals or teams ready to commit to launching a new organization to tackle a specific poverty challenge, ranging from health and education to agriculture and infrastructure. The ultimate goal is to enable these new organizations to run successful pilots and then attract further investment to reach thousands, even millions, of beneficiaries.
Eligibility
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Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Organizers
Prizes & Awards
What You Get
Successful applicants will receive up to ₹16.7 lakh (approximately US$20,000) in seed funding. This capital is intended to help launch and pilot a new organization focused on distributing proven poverty interventions. Beyond direct financial support, D-Prize also offers mentorship and incubation support to guide entrepreneurs through the initial phase of their venture. This includes assistance in piloting their ideas and building a robust organization structure that is primed for large-scale impact and future fundraising. The program emphasizes a pathway to scaling impact, supporting selected ventures in their journey to reach thousands, even millions, of beneficiaries with critical solutions.
- Disbursement
- Milestone Based
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
The D-Prize evaluation process is highly competitive and structured into multiple rounds. In Round 1, applicants submit a concise two-page concept note along with their resume(s). D-Prize typically receives over 3,000 submissions per competition at this stage. The top 5% of entrepreneurs from Round 1 are then invited to Round 2, where they must answer a series of short written questions within a two-week period. The final round involves in-depth phone and email interviews with the top candidates. Ultimately, the top 1% of applicants from the entire pool are selected to receive up to US$20,000 in funding to launch their new organizations. The selection criteria emphasize the potential for scale, the viability of the distribution model, and the entrepreneurial drive of the team.
Application Process
- 1
Select an Intervention
Choose a poverty intervention from the list or propose your own evidence-based solution.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 2
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of solutions does D-Prize fund?
D-Prize funds new organizations focused on distributing proven poverty interventions in areas such as health, education, agriculture, and social welfare, especially for last-mile populations.
Who is eligible to apply?
The competition is primarily for new organizations, often led by first-time entrepreneurs, with less than 18 months of operations and limited prior funding (under US$30,000). Applicants from low- and middle-income countries are highly encouraged.
What is the maximum funding I can receive?
Successful applicants can receive up to US$20,000 (approximately ₹16.7 lakh) in seed funding.
What is the application process like?
The process involves an initial concept note and resume submission, followed by written questions for shortlisted candidates, and finally phone and email interviews for top entrepreneurs.
Can existing organizations apply?
Yes, existing organizations are considered, but only if their core focus is on distributing an existing, evidence-based poverty intervention and they meet the age and funding criteria.
What happens after receiving the award?
Awardees spend the subsequent months piloting their idea and building their organization with the goal of scaling their impact to reach thousands, or even millions, of people.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
