UNHCR Innovation Accelerator 2026
By UNHCR
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Quick Answer
The UNHCR Innovation Accelerator is a global, equity-free grant program supporting pilot-proven innovations ready to scale and create sustainable impact for refugee, displaced, and stateless communities worldwide.
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 13 July 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by UNHCR. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this grant
The UNHCR Innovation Accelerator is a flagship initiative of the UNHCR Innovation Service, designed to foster and scale high-potential solutions for some of the world's most vulnerable populations. This collaborative program, supported by the Government of Luxembourg, works with internal and external partners to identify innovations that have moved beyond the conceptual stage and have successfully completed pilot implementations. Its core mission is to provide these proven initiatives with the necessary resources and strategic guidance to transition towards sustainable large-scale adoption, thereby maximizing their long-term operational impact on the lives of refugees, internally displaced persons, and stateless individuals. The accelerator complements UNHCR's broader innovation ecosystem by focusing specifically on solutions that have already demonstrated tangible proof of concept and are poised for wider reach and effectiveness.
This program seeks to address critical humanitarian challenges faced by forcibly displaced communities globally, by empowering innovative organizations and their solutions. It recognizes that impactful innovation requires not just initial testing but also dedicated support for growth, strategic partnerships, and robust evidence generation. By focusing on scaling, the accelerator aims to ensure that successful approaches can reach a greater number of beneficiaries and contribute to more systemic improvements in humanitarian aid and protection. The ultimate goal is to enable these innovations to achieve a lasting positive transformation in the lives and livelihoods of those affected by displacement and statelessness, fostering resilience and self-reliance.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, works to protect and support refugees, displaced and stateless people worldwide. Its Innovation Service runs the UNHCR Innovation Accelerator, supported by the Government of Luxembourg, which helps tested, high-potential innovations move from pilot…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
The UNHCR Innovation Accelerator offers catalytic grants of up to US$250,000 for high-potential innovations. While exceptional cases may receive the full amount, most awards are tailored to the innovation's stage and specific needs. Beyond financial support, the program provides comprehensive non-financial assistance, including expert technical guidance to refine and optimize solutions, strategic partnership brokering with a diverse network of donors, refugee-led organizations, and private sector entities, and robust evidence-and-learning support to demonstrate impact. Participants also receive strategic guidance for scaling and dedicated resource mobilization assistance to ensure long-term sustainability. This is an equity-free program, ensuring founders retain full ownership of their ventures.
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
The selection process for the UNHCR Innovation Accelerator involves a multi-stage evaluation. Initially, Expressions of Interest (EOIs) are rigorously screened to identify innovations that have demonstrably moved beyond concept to successful pilot implementation and show strong potential for sustainable scale. This initial review is conducted by the UNHCR Innovation Service team and key internal stakeholders, assessing the project's alignment with UNHCR's mandate, its impact potential for displaced communities, and the organizational capacity to deliver. Shortlisted applicants are then invited to submit comprehensive full proposals, which undergo a deeper review by a dedicated selection committee comprising experts from UNHCR, partner organizations, and relevant external stakeholders. This stage may include interviews or presentations to further assess the innovation's feasibility, scalability, and long-term impact. The final selection prioritizes projects that exhibit robust evidence of impact, clear pathways to broader adoption, and strong partnership potential, particularly those involving UNHCR teams or refugee-led organizations.
Application Process
- 1
Submit Expression of Interest
Applicants submit an initial Expression of Interest (EOI) via the online platform, detailing their pilot-proven innovation.
You - 2
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How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of innovations does the UNHCR Innovation Accelerator support?
The accelerator supports innovations that have already been tested and successfully piloted, demonstrating a clear proof of concept. The program is designed for initiatives ready to move towards sustainable scale and broader operational impact for refugee, displaced, and stateless communities, rather than early-stage ideas.
What is the maximum funding available?
Catalytic grants are provided up to US$250,000 in exceptional cases. Most awards are scaled according to the innovation's stage and specific needs and are generally lower than this ceiling.
Is this program open to organizations outside of Europe?
Yes, the program is open globally. Organizations from any country, including India, are eligible to apply, provided they are working on innovations that benefit refugee, displaced, or stateless populations.
What types of organizations are eligible to apply?
A broad range of organizations can apply, including refugee-led organizations, NGOs, UN agencies, academic institutions, and private-sector organizations. However, at the full-proposal stage, the project must be led by, or jointly submitted with, a UNHCR team or a refugee-led organization.
Is equity taken in exchange for funding?
No, the UNHCR Innovation Accelerator is an equity-free grant program. No equity is taken from participating organizations.
What non-financial support does the accelerator provide?
Beyond funding, the accelerator offers technical guidance, support in brokering partnerships with donors and various sector organizations, evidence-and-learning support to track impact, strategic guidance for scaling initiatives, and assistance with resource mobilization.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
