UNICEF Climate Innovation ChallengeUNICEF Climate Innovation Challenge
ClimateTechHealthTechPre-seedSeedSeries A

UNICEF Climate Innovation Challenge

A call to early & growth stage frontier tech startups in emerging economies

Organizer: UNICEF Venture Fund
Deadline: October 21, 2025 (in a month)
Category: Challenge
Regions: Rwanda, Burundi, Liberia, Tanzania, Benin, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Sudan, Central African Republic, Djibouti, South Africa, Madagascar, Tunisia, Gambia, Togo, Equatorial Guinea, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Botswana, Mozambique, Comoros, Mauritius, Morocco, Ghana, Algeria, Chad, Cabo Verde, Namibia, Somalia, Niger, Seychelles, Congo, Zimbabwe, Senegal, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Mali, Eritrea, South Sudan, Egypt, Gabon, Malawi, Angola, Eswatini, Uganda, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Lesotho, Ethiopia, Sao Tome & Principe, Libya, Zambia, DR Congo
Back to All Opportunities

UNICEF’s Climate Innovation Challenge invites startups using frontier technologies to develop scalable solutions that protect children and communities from climate risks. The listing below summarizes focus areas, who should apply, what is offered, and how to apply, so founders can quickly assess fit and timelines. This is an informational overview only, independent of the organizer and not collecting applications.

Program snapshot

  • Focus: child-centric climate solutions using frontier tech such as AI, ML, data science, blockchain, XR, or drones
  • Objective: surface and support innovations that strengthen climate adaptation, resilience, and child health outcomes
  • Track: challenge pathway linked to UNICEF’s Climate Innovation and Venture Fund portfolio activities and community

Priority themes

  • Climate and health, including solutions that reduce climate-related health risks for children
  • Additional child-focused climate challenges defined by UNICEF’s innovation portfolio and updates during the call period

Who should apply

  • Early or growth-stage startups registered in emerging and developing economies, building scalable climate tech with clear child impact
  • Teams with a working prototype or product demonstrating initial results and a credible path to scale
  • Women-led and youth-led teams are encouraged to apply

Eligibility highlights

  • Solution leverages frontier technology and aligns with child-centric climate outcomes
  • Company is legally registered in a UNICEF programme country and able to submit materials in English
  • Ability to participate in due diligence, share learning openly, and engage with UNICEF’s innovation network

What participants receive

  • Visibility within UNICEF’s climate innovation ecosystem and access to expert feedback during the challenge
  • Potential pathways to follow-on support through UNICEF innovation initiatives, subject to separate selection processes
  • Community connections with peers, mentors, and partners working on climate resilience for children

Timing and key dates

  • Current call period: 2025 cycle announced with materials live
  • Application deadline for this round: 21 October 2025, 11:59 PM CET
  • Subsequent activities and selections communicated by UNICEF after the submission window closes

How to apply

  • Complete the online application form, ensuring all required company and product information is included
  • Prepare concise evidence of problem, solution, traction, and child-impact pathway, with links or documents as appropriate
  • Submit before the deadline and monitor official UNICEF channels for updates and next steps

The Climate Innovation Challenge is designed for frontier-tech founders who can translate climate ambition into measurable benefits for children. If your team meets the criteria above and aligns with the themes, review the official materials and apply before the deadline noted.

UNICEF Climate Innovation Challenge 2025 | Apply Now