Applications are currently open for the Development Innovation Ventures (DIV) Fund 2026, presenting an evidence-driven funding opportunity for innovative solutions aimed at improving millions of lives in low- and middle-income countries. The DIV Fund extends grant funding to eligible organizations that are developing and scaling cost-effective innovations to tackle significant development challenges. This initiative supports projects with a demonstrated potential for measurable impact, cost-effectiveness, and sustainable growth.
Funding Structure and Duration
• Stage 1 – Pilot: Provides up to US$200,000 for testing innovations that are past the prototype stage in real-world environments.
• Stage 2 – Test and Position for Scale: Offers up to US$500,000, with the possibility of up to US$750,000 for exceptionally strong cases, to assess impact, market viability, and readiness for expansion.
• Stage 3 – Scale: Allocates up to US$1.5 million for proven innovations prepared for significant expansion.
• Project Duration: Grants can support projects for up to five years, with funding tied to the achievement of agreed-upon milestones rather than serving as general operating support.
Key Program Highlights
• Evidence-Based Approach: The fund prioritizes innovations with a credible path to demonstrating measurable impact, cost-effectiveness, and sustainable scale.
• Focus on Proven Solutions: A startup or organization with a tested solution, strong evidence, and a clear scaling plan is considered a stronger applicant than one with an untested concept.
• High-Impact Potential: The fund supports innovations that could ultimately improve the lives of over one million people.
• Path to Sustainability: A clear plan for long-term financial sustainability beyond the grant period is a key consideration.
Eligibility Criteria
• Eligible Organizations: The opportunity is open to a wide range of entities, including startups, private-sector companies, nonprofit organizations, social enterprises, universities, research institutions, technical assistance providers, and other legally incorporated consortia.
• Geographic Focus: Applicants can be locally led or international, but the proposed innovation must address challenges in low-, lower-middle-, or upper-middle-income countries.
• Ineligible Applicants: Individuals who do not have a legally incorporated entity are not eligible to apply directly.
Eligible Innovations
• New Technologies: Development and application of novel tech solutions.
• Policy Innovations: New approaches to public policy and governance.
• Social and Behavioural Innovations: Novel methods to influence social norms and individual behaviors.
• New Business Models: Innovative commercial or operational models.
• Delivery and Finance: New ways to deliver or finance essential goods and services.
• Cost-Effective Adaptations: Adapting existing solutions to be more efficient and affordable.
• Research and Evaluation: Rigorous evaluations of promising innovations.
• Replication and Scaling: Expanding successful solutions to new geographical locations.
Application Requirements
• Development Stage: Innovations must generally be past the prototype stage and have been tested in a real-world setting with actual users.
• Problem and Solution: Applicants must clearly explain the problem their innovation solves.
• Evidence of Impact: Provide evidence demonstrating that the solution works or has significant potential.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Detail the cost to deliver the solution and explain why it is more cost-effective than existing alternatives.
• Scalability Plan: Outline how the innovation can reach a large number of people.
• Sustainability Strategy: Describe how the organization will sustain the solution after the grant period concludes.
Relevance for African Innovators
• Scaling Opportunity: The DIV Fund provides a pathway for African innovators to move beyond small-scale pilots.
• Evidence Building: Support helps build the necessary evidence to attract larger investments, government adoption, private-sector partnerships, or further philanthropic funding.
• Proven Track Record: The fund has a history of supporting innovations in critical sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and digital solutions across developing markets.
• Focus on Measurable Results: The model is particularly suited for organizations that can demonstrate their solution delivers tangible results at a cost that enables large-scale adoption.
Application Details
• Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.
• How to Apply: Interested organizations are advised to review the complete funding requirements and submit their proposals through the official DIV Fund application portal.
This funding opportunity represents a significant chance for innovators focused on development challenges to secure substantial support. By prioritizing evidence, scalability, and sustainability, the DIV Fund offers a platform for solutions that have the potential to create lasting, large-scale change in communities around the world. Innovators with tested solutions and a clear vision for impact are encouraged to explore the application guidelines.