UNICEF Blockchain Ventures 2026
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Quick Answer
Closed: UNICEF Venture Fund's 2026 call gave equity-free funding of up to US$100,000 (about ₹95 lakh), paid in ETH, BTC or USDC, to open-source blockchain startups helping children.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- UNICEF Venture Fund
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- International
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 10 March 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by UNICEF Venture Fund. 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 UNICEF Venture Fund's Call for Blockchain Ventures 2026 is closed. The recorded closing date for this listing is 10 March 2026, and the official page now labels the call "Closed call for applications" and shows the review stages as completed. The page does not state a next call, so none is announced.
The Venture Fund is a UNICEF initiative that invests in open-source frontier technology from emerging markets that can improve children's lives. This guide explains what the 2026 call asked for, so a founder can prepare for a future one.
What the call offered
Selected startups receive equity-free funding of up to US$100,000 (about ₹95 lakh), paid in ETH, BTC or USDC, plus tailored technical mentorship for piloting, implementation and impact measurement over a 12-to-18-month investment period. "Equity-free" means UNICEF takes no ownership in your company. Because the payout is in crypto, the rupee value you actually receive can move with the market, so plan your budget with a margin.
What the call looked for
The call had three focus areas:
- Accountability and transparency of services and payments, such as verifiable proof of impact, reaching unbanked people, privacy-preserving accountability tools and automated payments.
- New financing models and local governance, such as staking, crowdfunding, tokenising impact delivery, stablecoin-based fundraising and community data incentives.
- Digital public goods: platforms that fund, match and reward contributions to open-source projects, including bounty platforms and matchmaking between public goods and clients.
Who can apply
The call was for early-stage startups in emerging economies with a blockchain-based solution that already has a working product and real-world use. Your company must be registered in one of UNICEF's programme countries, show strong proof points and commit to open-source licensing and practices. Woman-led startups and young founders were especially encouraged.
For Indian founders: the page does not name countries, so check whether India is on UNICEF's programme-country list at the time of the next call before you invest effort. A practical tip: if you have a prototype only, you are probably too early, as the call wants a functional product with real users.
How to apply
The page describes a short Expression of Interest (EOI) that takes about 30 minutes. The review statuses show a two-stage process: EOI review, then a review of full proposals (RFP), then an announcement of investees. The page links to an application process overview and to a scoring document from an earlier round, which is a useful preview of how entries are scored. Applications were reviewed on a rolling basis.
How applications are judged and what happens next
Startups pass first through the EOI review, then those who advance submit a fuller proposal, and the Venture Fund then announces its investees. Selected startups form the Blockchain Ventures cohort. The scoring criteria are in the linked earlier-round document rather than on the page itself.
About the UNICEF Venture Fund
The UNICEF Venture Fund invests in open-source frontier technology solutions from emerging markets. It has run earlier blockchain calls, including Blockchain for Financial Inclusion in 2021 and Blockchain for Digital Inclusion in 2022. Its site covers its portfolio, funding and support, and its approach.
Things to check before you apply
- Closed now: the 2026 call cannot take new entries; watch the Apply for Funding page.
- Open source: your code must be released under an open-source licence, which may not suit every business model.
- Crypto payout: funding arrives as ETH, BTC or USDC. Take tax and FEMA advice on receiving and converting crypto from abroad.
- Programme country: your company must be registered in an eligible country.
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
The UNICEF Venture Fund is a financial vehicle run by UNICEF. It invests exclusively in open-source solutions, and it does not seek a financial return or take equity. The head office address on UNICEF's innovation contact page is in Stockholm, Sweden. How the fund works The fund…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
Each startup in the Blockchain Ventures cohort receives equity-free funding of up to US$100,000 (about ₹95 lakh), paid in ETH, BTC or USDC. Over the 12-to-18-month investment period it also gets tailored technical mentorship to pilot the product, implement it and measure its impact.
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications move through an Expression of Interest review, then a review of full proposals (RFP), before the Venture Fund announces its investees. Applications were reviewed on a rolling basis, and scoring criteria are in a linked earlier-round document.
Application Process
- 1
Expression of Interest
Fill the 30-minute Expression of Interest for the open call.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
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
Is the UNICEF Blockchain Ventures 2026 call still open?
No. The official page labels it a closed call, and the recorded close date is 10 March 2026. The page states no next call, so watch the Apply for Funding page.
Who could apply to the Call for Blockchain Ventures?
Early-stage startups with a functional blockchain-based product and real-world use cases, registered in a UNICEF programme country and committed to open-source licensing. Woman-led startups and young founders were especially encouraged.
Can Indian startups apply for the UNICEF Venture Fund?
The page does not name eligible countries, only that the company must be registered in one of UNICEF's programme countries. Check the list at the time of a future call.
How much funding is offered?
Up to US$100,000 (about ₹95 lakh) per startup, equity-free, with technical mentorship during a 12-to-18-month investment period.
Is the funding paid in crypto?
Yes. The award is paid in ETH, BTC or USDC, so its rupee value can change with the market. Take tax and FEMA advice on receiving it.
Is it a grant or equity?
The page calls it equity-free funding, so UNICEF takes no ownership. It does not use the word grant, and it does not describe repayment terms.
What are the three focus areas?
Accountability and transparency of services and payments, new financing and fundraising models with local governance, and digital public goods. The page lists examples under each.
How do I apply when a new call opens?
Complete the Expression of Interest on the Apply for Funding page, which the page says takes about 30 minutes. Shortlisted startups are then reviewed at the full-proposal stage.
Do I need to travel?
The page does not mention any travel requirement. It describes mentorship for piloting, implementation and impact measurement.
Is there an application fee, and when are winners announced?
The page mentions no fee. It does not give an announcement date, only that investees are announced after the proposal review.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
