UNICEF Venture Fund-Gender Responsive Innovation Challenge (GRIC) 2024 (up to 100k) Apply Today!
UNICEF Venture Fund Gender-Responsive innovation challenge (GRIC) 2024
Introduction:
The UNICEF’s Venture Fund Gender-Responsive innovation challenge comes in account due to technological landscape is rapidly evolving, presenting opportunities for innovation that can address the diverse needs of communities around the world. However, despite the potential of technology to drive positive change, certain groups, such as women, children, people living with disabilities, and refugees, often face barriers to accessing and benefiting from these innovations. Recognizing the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech sector, the UNICEF Venture Fund, in collaboration with GITEX Africa, has launched The Gender-Responsive Innovation Challenge (GRIC). This initiative aims to foster inclusive innovation in Africa by supporting startups that develop gender-responsive solutions to address the needs of marginalized populations.
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Background:
The UNICEF Venture Fund is a unique initiative designed to finance early-stage, Open Source technology that can benefit children. By investing in solutions clustered around emerging technologies such as blockchain, virtual and augmented reality, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, the Venture Fund aims to shape markets and guide these technologies to improve the lives of children worldwide. The Fund prioritizes solutions that accelerate results for children, are optimized for low-resource environments, reduce inequalities, and can deliver in multiple languages.
GITEX Africa, on the other hand, is a platform that brings together stakeholders from across the continent to discuss and showcase the latest innovations in technology. By collaborating with the UNICEF Venture Fund, GITEX Africa aims to leverage its network and resources to promote gender-responsive innovation in Africa.
The UNICEF Venture Fund is dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion by supporting early-stage startups that leverage cutting-edge technologies to address the unmet needs of marginalized and underserved children and their families. In collaboration with GITEX Africa, the Venture Fund has launched The Gender-Responsive Innovation Challenge (GRIC) to promote inclusive and gender-responsive innovation in Africa.
Selected companies will receive mentorship and technical assistance from Venture Fund experts to enhance their investment readiness and potential for future funding. This support includes 10 hours of technical mentoring and guidance on navigating the Venture Fund sourcing and selection process.
The Challenge:
The GRIC seeks to address structural and systemic barriers in the technology sector that limit the participation of women founders and the development of solutions tailored to the needs of vulnerable populations. The challenge is divided into three key areas:
- Investing in diverse and underrepresented founders, especially women founders.
- Increasing the availability of digital products and services that address the specific needs of vulnerable populations, including children, women, people living with disabilities, and refugees.
- Facilitating inclusive user design in the development of innovation.
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The GRIC provides an opportunity for companies in Africa to showcase their innovative gender-responsive solutions and businesses. Five outstanding companies will be selected to receive awards, with the winners announced at the GITEX Africa Summit conference in Marrakech, Morocco.
Benefits for Selected Participants:
Selected companies will receive a range of benefits to support their innovative work:
- Airfare: Economy class airfare to and from Morocco.
- Local Transportation: Coverage of local transportation expenses during the program and conference.
- Accommodation: Hotel accommodation during the dates of the program and conference.
- Catering: Meals provided during the program and conference.
- 10 hours of technical mentoring and guidance on navigating the Venture Fund sourcing and selection process.
- Additional support to understand and navigate the Venture Fund sourcing and selection process.
Application Requirements:
To be considered for the GRIC, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Applicants must be foreign professionals with advanced skills who are nationals of developing countries (countries on the OECD/DAC list, excluding the People’s Republic of China).
- Proficiency in Japanese language (JLPT level N3 or higher) or proficiency in English.
- Age requirement: Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 40 as of August 1, 2024.
- Submission of a certificate of enrollment or graduation from their university or institution, along with letters of recommendation.
- Dedication to the training and internship at the company, with the ability to participate according to the specified timetable.
UNICEF’s Venture Fund focuses on financing early-stage, Open Source technology that benefits children. It seeks solutions that accelerate results for children, are optimized for low-resource environments, reduce inequalities, and can deliver in multiple languages. Data protection and safeguarding principles are prioritized to ensure individuals’ privacy and well-being.
For companies interested in applying, resources such as FAQs, eligibility criteria, previously funded projects, and information about the startup selection process are available. The Venture Fund continues to seek collaborations with partners to support innovation challenges and provide strategic technical assistance to promote equity and trust in technological solutions.
Conclusion:
The GRIC presents a unique opportunity for companies in Africa to showcase their innovative gender-responsive solutions and businesses. By supporting startups that address the specific needs of marginalized populations, the challenge aims to foster diversity and inclusion in the tech sector while driving positive change in communities across the continent. Through collaboration with partners like GITEX Africa, the UNICEF Venture Fund continues to promote equity and trust in technological solutions, ultimately contributing to the well-being of children and their families worldwide.
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