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§ Grant
Grant and accelerator program for early-stage tech startups in emerging markets, funding open-source frontier tech for children.
UN labs provide up to $100K seed and $400K growth funding to startups developing open-source frontier technologies that address global challenges aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Early-stage startups worldwide developing open-source technologies in AI, blockchain, IoT, and data analytics applicable to SDGs, with emphasis on solutions for developing countries.
Up to $100,000 for seed stage and $400,000 for growth stage, plus UN network access, technical mentorship, and connections to governments and international organizations.
Apply through the program portal during open calls with your technology description, SDG application, open-source commitment, team info, and growth plan for evaluation on impact and scalability.
Open-source tools for digital identity, health data, agriculture monitoring, education, and financial inclusion deployed with UN agencies and governments across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
The UN Technology Innovation Labs operate as a specialized grant and accelerator program administered by the UNICEF Office of Innovation to support early-stage startups developing open-source frontier technologies. The initiative provides up to $100,000 in equity-free seed funding, available in either fiat or cryptocurrency, and up to $400,000 for growth-stage companies over a 12-month prototype delivery period. Funding calls target specific technological categories, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain, with upcoming initiatives like the May 2026 Climate Tech for Children's Health program. The program actively collaborates with or funds recognizable global entities such as the Ethereum Foundation, the International Telecommunication Union, ARM, and Atix Labs. This resource is intended for early-stage technology startups registered in emerging markets that are building open-source prototypes to address global humanitarian, educational, healthcare, and climate challenges facing vulnerable children.
UN Technology Innovation Labs provide up to $100,000 in seed funding and up to $400,000 in growth funding to early-stage startups developing open-source frontier technologies. Part of the United Nations' efforts to harness technology for sustainable development, the labs support innovations that can address global challenges including poverty, health, education, and climate change. The program emphasizes open-source approaches that maximize the potential for widespread adoption and impact.
Early-stage startups developing open-source frontier technologies are eligible. Projects should address challenges aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and demonstrate potential for global impact. The program welcomes startups from around the world, with particular interest in technologies applicable to developing countries and underserved communities. Technologies may span AI, blockchain, IoT, data analytics, and other frontier domains applied to social good.
Seed stage companies receive up to $100,000, while growth stage ventures can access up to $400,000. Beyond funding, participants gain access to the UN's global network, including connections to government agencies, international organizations, and development practitioners who can serve as users, partners, or advocates for their technology. The labs provide technical mentorship, product development support, and guidance on deploying technology in development contexts.
Applications are submitted through the UN Technology Innovation Labs program portal during open call periods. Proposals must describe the open-source technology, its application to sustainable development challenges, development stage, team qualifications, and growth plan. The evaluation process assesses innovation quality, SDG alignment, open-source commitment, team capability, and potential for scalable impact in developing country contexts.
The labs have supported startups building open-source tools for digital identity, health data management, agricultural monitoring, educational platforms, and financial inclusion. Funded technologies have been deployed in partnership with UN agencies, government ministries, and NGOs across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The program has demonstrated how open-source technology can accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.