Early-stage startups building innovative solutions for children and young people can now apply for funding through the Venture Fund. This initiative offers **equity-free investments of up to **US$100,000 to accelerate startups that use cutting-edge technologies and models to improve outcomes for children worldwide.

Unlike traditional venture capital, the UNICEF Venture Fund provides non-dilutive support, meaning founders retain full ownership while gaining capital, strategic guidance, and access to global networks that can help scale impact.

About the UNICEF Venture Fund

The UNICEF Venture Fund was created to support early-stage technology innovators whose solutions address key challenges affecting children — including health, education, protection, inclusion, and economic opportunity. The fund focuses on technologies with potential for wide reach and measurable impact.

By investing in emerging startups, UNICEF aims to leverage innovation to help governments, NGOs, and communities deliver better and more equitable services for children and youth around the world.

What Startups Can Receive

Selected ventures may receive:

💸 Equity-Free Investment

Up to US$100,000 in non-dilutive capital to strengthen operations, product development, and scaling strategies.

🌐 Strategic Support

Access to UNICEF’s technical expertise and global innovation networks.
Guidance on impact measurement and operational scaling.

📊 Ecosystem Connections

Linkages to partners, potential collaborators, and stakeholders across sectors.
Opportunities to showcase your solution on international platforms.

Who Should Apply

The fund targets early-stage startups that:

Offer technology-driven solutions with potential to improve outcomes for children and young people.
Have a viable prototype or minimum viable product (MVP).
Demonstrate clear commitment to scaling impact and measurable outcomes.
Are capable of operating internationally or at scale within local contexts.

Startups working in areas such as digital health, EdTech, child protection technologies, inclusive services, and data-driven impact systems are strongly encouraged to apply.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Children and young people face complex challenges, especially in rapidly changing technological and social environments. Investing in early-stage startups that deploy innovative, tech-enabled solutions can:

Improve access to quality education and learning tools
Enhance health services and information delivery
Strengthen digital safety and protection systems
Enable economic opportunity and social inclusion

By backing entrepreneurs early, the UNICEF Venture Fund helps shift promising ideas into scalable tools that deliver real-world value for children and communities.

How to Apply

Interested startup founders can submit their application using the official form below:

👉 Apply now: https://form.jotform.com/260502296255354

Make sure your submission includes key information about your team, product, impact model, and technology strategy.