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About this grant
The UNICEF Venture Fund seeks to invest in Open Source frontier technology solutions at the intersection of Climate Resilience and Health.
As a global fund, it finances early-stage, Open Source technologies that can benefit children worldwide. The fund identifies and supports initiatives around emerging technologies to help shape markets and guide the development of innovative solutions, thereby improving the lives of children and their communities. UNICEF prioritizes solutions that leverage advanced technologies while strictly upholding data protection measures and safeguarding principles for privacy and wellbeing. It also values comprehensive approaches that strengthen systems and services, fostering resilient and sustainable infrastructure to support health and mental health initiatives for lasting positive outcomes. The UNICEF Venture Fund is a core component of UNICEF's innovation strategy, designed to invest in cutting-edge technologies that can improve the lives of children. Established with the mandate to explore and accelerate solutions from developing and emerging markets, the fund specifically focuses on Open Source innovations that address global challenges. By providing equity-free funding and strategic support, the Venture Fund aims to de-risk early-stage ventures, enable them to scale, and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to health, climate action, and equitable access to technology. Their track record includes supporting a diverse portfolio of startups across various sectors, all committed to open principles and maximizing public good. This program offers equity-free funding up to US$100,000 to selected startups. This investment aims to catalyze child-centric climate innovation. The funding is intended to support the development and deployment of scalable, Open Source solutions that protect children’s health, enhance preparedness and anticipatory action, and improve coordination across health, education, and basic services. The initiative, part of a five-year Climate Ventures investment program, focuses on innovations that are locally adaptable, data-driven, and child-centred. The fund is particularly interested in solutions that address critical areas such as strategic planning for climate and environmental hazards, early warning and early action systems for climate-sensitive health risks, and healthcare readiness through predictive analytics and forecasting. Additionally, it supports point-of-care solutions that empower local authorities and communities to access, interpret, and share trusted climate and health data, and provide behavioral health nudges. These efforts collectively strengthen systems safeguarding children’s wellbeing against multidimensional climate threats.
Eligibility
The applying company must be registered in a UNICEF programme country.
The company must be committed to Open Source licensing and principles for its solutions.
Applicants are required to have a functional prototype with results of initial testing, or provide proof of initial deployment.
Benefits & Funding
Offers up to ₹90 Lakhs per startup.
Non-dilutive — no equity dilution.
Non-repayable grant.
Disbursed as equity.
Includes cash, mentorship support.
The UNICEF Venture Fund provides equity-free funding to selected early-stage Open Source technology solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of funding does the UNICEF Venture Fund offer?
The UNICEF Venture Fund offers up to US$100,000 in equity-free funding for early-stage and ready-to-deploy for-profit technology startups.
What specific technologies is the program interested in?
The fund is looking for companies leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), or blockchain, specifically at the intersection of Climate Resilience and Health.
What are the main eligibility criteria for companies to apply?
Eligible companies must be registered in a UNICEF programme country, committed to Open Source licensing and principles, and have a functional prototype with initial testing results or proof of initial deployment. The program targets for-profit technology startups.
Is this program only for women-led startups?
No, while women-led/founded startups and young founders are encouraged to apply, the program is open to all eligible companies.
What is the deadline for applications and how are they reviewed?
Applications are due on May 17, 2026. Submissions will be reviewed after the deadline.
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