Description

The World Food Programme (WFP) Innovation Accelerator, with support from the Government of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg, is launching the second edition of the Humanitarian Innovation Accelerator (HIA). The program targets technology-driven solutions that address urgent humanitarian challenges faced by vulnerable populations and humanitarian actors. Selected ventures will receive equity-free funding, acceleration support, and global visibility to scale their impact.

HIA supports solutions that:

• Provide crisis-affected populations with access to information, financial resources, and essential infrastructure.

• Strengthen humanitarian organizations’ capabilities in crisis management and coordination.

• Are technologically advanced and scalable, including potential adaptations from other sectors into humanitarian settings.

HIA especially encourages applications from startups, NGOs, and organizations with proven, ready-to-scale innovations, and it welcomes “wildcard” technologies from other sectors.

What You’ll Receive

• ✅ Equity-free funding of up to $150,000 USD to implement a 12-month scaling plan.

• ✅ 12 months of tailored acceleration support from the WFP Innovation Accelerator and partners.

• ✅ Mentorship & expert guidance through a co-creation learning experience.

• ✅ Global visibility through pitching opportunities at Luxembourg Humanitarian Days.

• ✅ Networking access with industry leaders, investors, and technical experts.

Geographies of Interest

Priority will be given to solutions implemented in the following countries:

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 well-aligned with the program’s goals.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be an established legal entity (for-profit, nonprofit, NGO, INGO, social enterprise) for at least 2 years.

• Have a presence in the country of implementation, or partnerships/interest from relevant humanitarian actors.

• Have a scalable solution ready to implement during the 12-month sprint.

• Be beyond the prototype phase, with clear evidence of user adoption and operational feasibility.

• Show willingness to engage with the Luxembourg innovation ecosystem.

Key Considerations:

• Focus on women’s empowerment (beneficiaries, job creation, leadership).

• Commitment to environmental sustainability and social inclusion.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be judged on:

• Impact & Scalability: Clear target group and measurable potential to solve humanitarian challenges.

• Team: Diverse, gender-balanced, entrepreneurial leadership.

• Innovation: Competitive, novel, and technically viable solution.

• Traction: Evidence of adoption and stakeholder engagement.

• Business Model: Sustainable strategy with sound pricing and financial planning.

Application Process

1. Fill in the Application Form before April 20, 2025 – 11:59 PM (CEST).

2. Know someone who should apply? Use the Referral Form.

3. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted directly.

4. Refer to the FAQ for additional details.

Current Sprint Cohort (2024–2025)

The HIA Sprint is a structured 12-month program guiding innovators to implement and test their solutions. Ten ventures were competitively selected in the last cohort and are currently receiving tailored support to scale their impact.