UNICEF Venture Fund opens $100K+ round for innovators tackling children’s challenges

In a move to empower early-stage startups leveraging frontier technologies for social good, the UNICEF Venture Fund is calling on tech-driven companies in emerging markets to apply for equity-free funding of up to $100,000. The initiative is designed to support entrepreneurs developing open-source solutions that address pressing global challenges, particularly those affecting children and youth.

The Fund is not just about capital; it’s about helping startups scale their impact through access to UNICEF’s global network, mentorship, and field testing opportunities across multiple countries.

A mission rooted in impact and innovation

The UNICEF Venture Fund, launched in 2016, is one of the first venture funds in the world to focus on early-stage tech startups with a social impact lens in emerging markets. Its goal is to identify promising tech startups that can help solve some of the most pressing issues facing children and youth, from education and healthcare access to financial inclusion and disaster response.

What sets this fund apart is its non-equity-based investment model. Startups receive funding without giving up equity, allowing them to stay founder-led and mission-driven. In return, companies must commit to open-source technology, ensuring that solutions can be shared and adapted globally.

Since its inception, the UNICEF Venture Fund has invested in more than 50 startups across 35+ countries, creating a robust global network of changemakers. Previous recipients include companies working on remote learning platforms, AI-powered diagnostics, and blockchain systems for supply chain transparency.

Transforming ideas into scalable solutions

With a notable 43% of funded ventures led by women, the UNICEF Venture Fund has grown into a $35 million initiative backing 147 startups across 86 countries. The focus is clear: discover and invest in high-potential, open-source technologies that can be adapted, scaled, and replicated in UNICEF program countries to solve real problems. The fund invests in frontier tech solutions such as:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Machine Learning (ML)
• Blockchain
• Extended Reality (XR)
• Drones
• Digital identity solutions
• Internet of Things (IoT
  

So far, the Fund has backed innovative solutions ranging from AI-powered agricultural advisors in Kenya to decentralised finance platforms improving remittances and education access in underserved regions.

Benefits

If selected, startups will receive:

• Equity-free funding of up to $100,000
• Access to UNICEF’s global innovation network
• Tailored technical guidance and mentorship
• Support in product development and open-source licensing
• Exposure to strategic partners and investors
• Potential follow-on funding of $200K–$400K for high-performing ventures

The UNICEF Venture Fund also emphasises open-source development, requiring funded projects to make their code and documentation publicly accessible.

Eligibility criteria

To be considered for funding, startups must:

• Be registered as a private company in a UNICEF programme country
• Be early-stage, with a working prototype (not just an idea)
• Be building a solution using frontier technologies
• Commit to making the solution open-source
• Have a solid founding team and technical expertise
• Demonstrate potential for scalability and global impact
• The fund places particular interest in startups focused on climate action, financial inclusion, education, gender equity, and digital public goods.

How to apply

Startups interested in applying should visit the official application portals: UNICEF Venture Fund Website and UNICEF Innovation Platform.

Applications should include a pitch deck, company profile, and demo of the prototype (if available). Shortlisted teams may be contacted for further interviews and due diligence. Applications are open on a rolling basis, but specific open calls with thematic focuses (e.g., Climate Tech or Gender Equity) may have deadlines. 

The UNICEF Venture Fund remains a rare opportunity for African and global startups solving meaningful problems to receive non-dilutive capital and scale their impact. If you’re building something bold, mission-driven, and open, this could be the launchpad your startup needs.

Featured Image credit: Source.

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