Introduction

UNICEF is calling for applications for the Innovation Fund it has designed in collaboration with the Global Partnership to End Violence against Children and Giga. Sp. UNICEF is going to make up to $100K equity-free investments to help early-stage for-profit technology start-ups working to address child online safety problems and produce solutions accordingly.  UNICEF will provide the winning companies with a grant of up to 100,000 dollars.

Hence, start-ups using machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, or extended reality, and have a functioning, open-source sample displaying promising results, are strongly welcome to apply for this opportunity.

Details

Application deadline: 20 December 2020

Awarding institution: UNICEF

Investment period: One year

Benefits

Selected companies will receive up to $100k for financing and implementation of their projects in the wake of solving children’s online safety problems through technology.

Eligibility criteria

Companies need to meet the following compulsory requirements to be considered for funding:                                

• Officially registered as a private company.
• Registered in a UNICEF program country (see the list here)
• Operating on open source technology solutions (or willing to be open-source) under the following licenses or their equivalent:
• for software, a BSD license,
• (2. for hardware, a CERN license and
• (3.  a CC-BY license for design or content, a CC-BY license
• A current template of the open-source solution with hopeful results from initial examinations
• The solution has the potential to positively affect the lives of the most vulnerable children
• Creating publicly spread real-time data that is measurable
• Devising or broadening frontline technologies, defined above, such as blockchain, UAVs, virtual and augmented reality, nano satellites, data science, and artificial intelligence.
• Only private companies can apply for funding. Individuals are not eligible.

What’s UNICEF looking for

It is currently looking to invest in companies with technologies to generate software solutions responding to the four broad categories of digital risks to children “4C”: Content, Contact, Conduct, and Contract Risks.

Selection

The UNICEF Innovation Fund team will assess the projects and propose the eligible ones for funding to the internal board.

Criteria

The following criteria will be of importance in selection:

• Relevance of solution for children and youths, problem-solution fit, and potential for implementation at a global scale
• Newness of project and compliance with Innovation Principles
• Appropriateness of the team and key personnel to implement the project
• Project budget and funding schemes

Notification

Only designated companies will be contacted with information about the outcome and next steps by UNICEF.

How to apply?

Particularly, the eligible companies can submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) form online to UNICEF detailing their suitability and the innovative solutions for child online safety concerning the project funding goal.

Submit HERE.

For more information regarding the call and terms and conditions in place for submitting companies by UNICEF and four categories for solution submission,  please refer to UNICEF Innovation Fund.