Apply Now: Humanitarian Innovation Accelerator Offers Up to $150,000 in Funding, Mentorship & Global Visibility

Admin,

Aplication Deadline: April 20,2025

The World Food Programme (WFP) Innovation Accelerator, in partnership with the Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, has announced the second edition of the Humanitarian Innovation Accelerator (HIA). This opportunity is designed to support tech-driven, scalable solutions that address urgent challenges affecting vulnerable communities and humanitarian systems worldwide.

As humanitarian needs grow rapidly due to climate change, conflict, and displacement, innovative responses are needed to keep up with demand. The Humanitarian Innovation Accelerator seeks to empower ventures that go beyond traditional aid approaches by harnessing technology and strategic partnerships to create lasting impact.

What the Humanitarian Innovation Accelerator Offers

Selected organizations will benefit from a range of high-value support designed to help scale impactful solutions. Key benefits include:

  • Up to $150,000 in Equity-Free Funding
    Receive direct financial support to implement a 12-month scaling plan that enhances humanitarian response and community resilience.
  • Hands-On Mentorship and Expert Support
    Access tailored acceleration support, mentorship, and guidance from WFP’s global network of humanitarian and technology experts.
  • Global Exposure and Networking Opportunities
    Showcase your innovation to investors, industry leaders, and humanitarian partners at Luxembourg Humanitarian Days, an international event that provides visibility and partnership opportunities.
  • Access to Luxembourg’s Innovation Ecosystem
    Build meaningful connections with global innovation stakeholders while contributing to impactful humanitarian efforts.

Who Should Apply?

The program is open to startups, NGOs, social enterprises, and innovative organizations with proven, ready-to-scale solutions. Innovations must demonstrate strong potential for real-world application, user adoption, and sustainable impact.

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Be a legally registered entity for at least 2 years (nonprofits, for-profits, NGOs, INGOs, or social businesses).
  • Have a presence in their country of implementation, along with partnerships or stakeholder interest—especially from humanitarian actors.
  • Have a solution that is past the prototype or pilot stage, with clear evidence of feasibility and user engagement.
  • Present a realistic implementation plan for a 12-month scaling sprint.
  • Align with at least one of HIA’s challenge focus areas or offer a “wildcard” technology with humanitarian potential.

Priority Regions

While applications from all regions are welcome, priority is given to solutions implemented in the following high-need areas:

Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Chad, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Haiti, Iraq, Laos, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Mozambique, Myanmar, Niger, Palestine, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, and Yemen.

Organizations from outside these regions may still apply if they demonstrate alignment with the accelerator’s goals.

Focus Areas

HIA is especially interested in innovations that:

  • Empower crisis-affected communities with access to information, infrastructure, or financial tools.
  • Improve the coordination and crisis management capabilities of humanitarian organizations.
  • Promote women’s empowerment, either through leadership roles, employment, or direct impact.
  • Support environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and community cohesion.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted by April 20, 2025, at 11:59 PM (CEST).

To apply, fill out the official form before the deadline.HERE You can also refer a qualified venture by submitting the referral form.

For more information, CLICK HERE

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