The UNICEF Venture Fund is seeking applications from for-profit companies and open-source projects utilizing blockchain technology to address challenges faced by children and young people. The venture fund invests in early-stage, open-source technology solutions, providing equity-free funding, technical assistance, and mentorship to support the growth and scaling of its portfolio companies. The initiative aims to identify, test, and invest in blockchain-based solutions that are operational and prepared for real-world piloting or deployment to generate social impact.
Investment and Support Details
• Funding: Up to $100,000 in equity-free investment.
• Currencies: Funding is available in ETH, BTC, or USDC.
• Support: The program provides tailored technical mentorship to assist with piloting, implementation, and achieving measurable impact during the investment period.
Eligibility and Requirements
• Applicant Type: Open to early-stage, for-profit companies building open-source blockchain solutions.
• Product Stage: Applicants must have a working prototype or an existing, functional product ready for pilot or deployment.
• Business Model: A clear business model is required.
• Team: Must demonstrate a team with relevant expertise.
• Location: Companies must be registered in one of UNICEF’s programme countries.
• Licensing: A commitment to Open Source licensing and practices is mandatory.
Areas of Interest
• General Focus: Solutions addressing challenges in areas such as access to information, financial inclusion, identity, and supply chain transparency.
• Area 1: Improving accountability and transparency of existing services and payments.
• Area 2: Developing new financing, fundraising models, and local governance.
• Area 3: Incentivizing and encouraging the creation of digital public goods (DPGs) and the innovative, sustainable business models that support them.
Application Information
• Encouraged Applicants: Women-led, women-founded, and youth-led (under 35 years old) startups are encouraged to apply.
• Language: All applications must be submitted in English.
• Application Deadline: 10 MARCH 2026.
This initiative represents an opportunity for technology innovators to secure funding and support for scalable, sustainable solutions with the potential for significant impact. The fund is focused on leveraging blockchain technology to create a better future for children and young people by addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges.