UNICEF Climate Innovation Challenge

A call to early and growth stage frontier tech startups in emerging economies

UNICEF is launching a call for solutions from emerging markets in collaboration with India Health Fund (IHF), and the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL). To maximize impact, UNICEF will foster collaboration between early-stage frontier tech ventures and help scale proven climate adaptation solutions. This dual track approach seeks to drive impact and provide long-term sustainability.

The UNICEF Climate Innovation Challenge is open to early- and growth-stage tech startups in emerging economies developing:
🟢 solutions that protect children from climate-induced health risks
🟢 AI + data tools powering climate and community resilience

Selected start-ups will secure:
⚡ 10+ hours of mentorship with UNICEF + partners
⚡ Technical support to unlock future investment
⚡ A global platform to showcase their climate innovation
 
If your company is leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as data science, artificial intelligence (AI) or blockchain, we want to hear from you! We are specifically seeking companies registered in one of UNICEF’s programme countries that have impressive working prototypes and a commitment to Open Source licensing and practices.  

 
Notes:

• Applications must be submitted in English. 
• Women-led and women-founded startups are encouraged to apply.
• Youth-led startups (led by individuals younger than 35 years old) are encouraged to apply.
• Application deadline: 11:59 PM (CET), 21 OCTOBER 2025