The UNICEF Venture Fund is looking to invest in Open Source frontier technology solutions that have the potential to create radical change in children’s health, nutrition, and mental health.
UNICEF’s Venture Fund has been specifically designed to finance early-stage, Open Source technology that can benefit children. The core motivation of the Venture Fund is to identify “clusters” or portfolios of initiatives around emerging technology so that UNICEF can both shape markets and learn about and guide these technologies for children. They invest in solutions clustered around $100 billion industries in frontier technology spaces such as blockchain, virtual and augmented reality, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
The Venture Fund is particularly seeking solutions that:
Address challenges to accelerate results for children.
Are optimized for low-resource environments (e.g. low connectivity, limited mobile access).
Focus on reducing, rather than widening, inequalities.
Are able to deliver in multiple languages, including smaller languages.
Eligibility
If your startup leverages frontier technology such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, drones, blockchain, or extended reality, they are looking for you.
If your product is registered in one of UNICEF’s program countries, is a working prototype, has demonstrated results, and is (or could be) Open Source licensed, they encourage you to apply.
Female-led/founded startups are encouraged to apply.
Youth-led/co-designed startups are encouraged to apply.
Applications must be submitted in English.
Funding
They are offering up to US$100K in equity-free funding for early-stage, for-profit technology start-ups that can improve the lives of children.
