The UN Global Pulse Scale Accelerator, a United Nations program designed to help tested innovations expand their impact is now accepting applications for its 2026 cohort. The Accelerator supports UN-led teams with pilot-tested solutions that are ready to scale in development and humanitarian contexts, offering strategy development, expert guidance, and potential grant funding to extend impact across countries and communities.
What the UN Global Pulse Scale Accelerator Is
The Scale Accelerator is a structured program that helps UN teams turn effective pilot initiatives into broader, sustainable solutions that deliver measurable social and development impact. It enables participating teams to develop scaling strategies, refine delivery models, and connect with multidisciplinary expertise to increase reach and effectiveness.
This effort aligns with broader goals to strengthen innovation across the UN system and support solutions that help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
Applications are open to teams within the UN system (UN entities, agencies, funds, and programmes) that meet the following criteria:
✔ The innovation project must be led or co-led by one or more UN entities.
✔ The solution must be pilot-tested at least once in its relevant context, with evidence of positive outcomes.
✔ The solution should demonstrate readiness to scale — meaning it has potential to reach more people or influence broader systems.
✔ Projects are expected to apply data, digital technologies, or AI as enablers, although applicable approaches can span low-tech to high-tech based on context.
✔ Applicants must articulate how their solution contributes to sustainable impact, engagement with end users, and incorporation of cross-cutting themes such as human rights, gender equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Solutions that address urgent development and humanitarian challenges — including in least developed countries or fragile settings — are especially encouraged.
Program Benefits & Support
Selected teams entering the Scale Accelerator typically receive the following support:
📘 Strategy Development Workshops
Participants are guided through a structured accelerator curriculum designed to help build robust scaling strategies tailored to their innovation, including planning, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability frameworks.
🧠 Expert Mentorship & Technical Support
Teams work with multidisciplinary experts to refine their approach, enhance impact pathways, and strengthen partnerships across sectors.
🤝 Networking & Collaboration
Participants access connections to key partners, including public and private actors that can help extend their solutions and enable broader adoption.
💰 Scale Catalyst Grant Funding
A limited number of teams receive Scale Catalyst Grants, commonly around USD 60,000 (per team) — to help implement scaling strategies developed during the accelerator. Travel support, DSA, and related costs for in-person workshops are covered under UN rules.
📈 Enhanced Impact Reach
Focused strategy development and tailored support help teams position their solutions for wider adoption and deeper impact across regions and contexts.
How to Apply
- Visit the official Scale Accelerator page on the UN Global Pulse website:
👉 https://www.unglobalpulse.org/project/un-global-pulse-scale-accelerator/ - Review the eligibility criteria, submission instructions, and FAQs provided on the site.
- Prepare your application: explain your innovation, evidence of pilot success, scaling readiness, expected impact, and how your project aligns with UN goals and values.
- Submit before the deadline: Applications are open from 21 January to 11 February 2026 (midnight EST).
Ensure your submission clearly demonstrates both impact evidence and a scaling plan that reflects readiness to expand reach and outcomes.
