Powered by: WFP Innovation Accelerator & Government of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg
Deadline to Apply: April 27, 11:59 PM (CEST)

The Humanitarian Innovation Accelerator (HIA) 2.0 is a global initiative by the WFP Innovation Accelerator in partnership with Luxembourg’s government, designed to support technology-powered solutions that address the urgent challenges faced by vulnerable populations and humanitarian actors.

The program provides financial, technical, and methodological support, equipping selected ventures with resources to scale their innovative solutions. Solutions should be beyond the prototype stage, with evidence of adoption and impact.

What We Offer

• Hands-on Acceleration Support: 12 months of tailored guidance from WFP and partners.

• Global Visibility: Opportunity to pitch and network at Luxembourg Humanitarian Days.

• Equity-free Funding: Up to USD 150,000 to implement your scaling plan.

• Learning Experience: A co-creation journey to refine your solution and scale strategy.

• Mentorship: Access to industry leaders, technical experts, and global humanitarian networks.

What We’re Looking For

Innovations that use technology to enhance emergency response, deliver financial access, improve infrastructure, and strengthen humanitarian coordination. Solutions must be proven, scalable, and ready to expand.

Eligible Organizations:

• Startups

• NGOs / INGOs

• Social enterprises

• Companies with impactful, tech-driven humanitarian solutions

Wildcard entries are welcome—tech solutions from other sectors with strong potential to be adapted to humanitarian contexts.

Geographies of Interest

Priority given to innovations in:
Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Chad, Central African Republic, DRC, Ethiopia, Haiti, Iraq, Laos, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Mozambique, Myanmar, Niger, Palestine, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Yemen.

(Applications outside these regions will still be considered if aligned with the call for applications.)

Eligibility Criteria

• Organization must be a legal entity for at least 2 years

• Demonstrated presence or partnerships in target country

• Solution must be beyond prototype, with proof of adoption and readiness to scale

• Clear 12-month implementation plan

• Must be ready to connect with Luxembourg’s innovation ecosystem

• Focus on:

  • Empowering women

  • Environmental protection

  • Social inclusion

Evaluation Criteria

• Impact & Scalability: Clear target group, challenge alignment, and scaling potential

• Team: Diverse, inclusive, with entrepreneurial leadership

• Novelty: Technically viable, innovative, and competitive solution

• Traction: Adoption evidence and stakeholder engagement

• Business Model: Sustainable and viable business/financial plan

Eligibility criteria may be adjusted as needed.

Application Process

1. Fill in the Application Form by April 27, 11:59 PM (CEST)

2. Know someone who fits? Submit a Referral Form

3. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted

4. Explore the FAQs for more info

Current Sprint Cohort (2024–2025) Includes:

• Opero

• Waterkit

• Jangala

• OPAL for Humanitarian Action

• Bleaglee

• Neurotech

• Speetar

• WASDI

To apply, go to the WFP official website at https://innovation.wfp.org/HIA