TECHNOLOGY
UNICEF Innovation Fund Opens Application for Blockchain Startups
Application are invited from suitably qualified applicants to apply for UNICEF Innovation Fund for Blockchain Startups:
UNICEF Venture Fund and Giga Call for Blockchain-based Software Solutions to Build Capacity and Empower Communities
The UNICEF Venture Fund, in collaboration with Giga, is looking to make up to $100K equity-free investments (in cryptocurrency) to provide early stage (seed) financing and mentoring to for-profit technology startups that have the potential to benefit humanity.
Applicants will receive funding in cryptocurrency (bitcoin or ether) through our recently launched CryptoFund. Given the current global climate and a dramatic shift to a digital world as a result of COVID-19, open-source solutions that address critical needs for society are as important as ever.
If you have a start-up registered in one of UNICEF’s program countries and have a working, open source blockchain prototype (or you are willing to make it open source) showing promising results, we are looking for you.
What we’re looking for?
We are currently looking to invest in companies developing blockchain-based software solutions using cryptocurrencies, smart contracts, and various types of tokens, as well as learning and training initiatives to build capacity. Examples of areas of interest include, but are not limited to:
Area 1: Improving accountability and transparency of services and payments;
Blockchain technologies can create transparent, efficient systems to exchange value, track supply chains and trade commodities. We are seeking solutions that:
Enable people, organizations and other entities to use, earn, and hold cryptocurrencies.
Track supply chains and value flows. In particular, we are interested in solutions related to areas like connectivity, electricity, climate or other foundational infrastructure.
Enable Blockchain Oracle Services / Frameworks / APIs to measure provider performance (especially related to measurement of internet connectivity or energy).
Automate payments and manage contracts based on providers’ performance.
Provide On-ramp and Off-ramp services for smooth conversion of fiat to crypto and vice versa (preferably global in presence).
Manage and trade assets/commodities in a decentralized manner that benefits communities.
Area 2: New financing models and rewards
By engaging with the crowd in new ways, we can build sustainable models to generate value, supporting the long-term development and delivery of services. For example, rewards could be used to incentivize communities to collect and share data that can then be used for decision making and resource allocation. We are seeking solutions that:
Use cryptocurrencies to increase investments (ie staking, crowdfunding).
Incorporate incentives to encourage value creation (ie crowdsourcing, badges).
Create new economies and marketplaces (Ie tokens).
Area 3: Empower young people to actively engage in these new systems
UNICEF supports the creation of Open Source software to ultimately enable communities with new tools. We are interested in solutions that empower local communities to engage with systems in new ways, such as those that:
Enable communities to access financial services (digital payments, banking)
Provide students and teachers with better learning experiences (teaching children about crypto, NFT creation by students, gamification and learning)
Explore new ways of making decisions and participating in different ecosystems (DAOs, decentralized storage, distributing connectivity, energy or other resources to communities)
Our funding is not necessarily limited to the above. We are interested in companies that use distributed ledger tech in new, groundbreaking, ways that are scalable, and globally applicable.
If you meet the UNICEF Venture Fund criteria, we want to hear from you.
How Does the Application Process Work? Step I: Check Eligility
Interested companies are required to check the eligibility of the Innovation Fund
Step II: Submit Application
Interested companies are required to submit an online application through the Fund website. You should provide the information and supporting documents indicated in the form.
Applying to the Fund does not automatically ensure that the submitting company will be selected to participate in next stages of the application process.
UNICEF reserves the right to change or cancel the requirement at any time during the application/selection process. UNICEF also reserves the right to require compliance with additional conditions as and when the investment decision is made.
Please review the additional information for the Request for Expression of Interest here.
Step III: Submit Request for Proposal
The Innovation Fund reviews all applications and notifies companies of the decision. Shortlisted applicants are invited to submit a detailed proposal, this is called the Request for Proposal (RFP) step.
Step IV: Demo Interview
After a careful review, companies shortlisted at the RFP step are invested for an online demo interview. This is usually a 30 min interview the with Innovation Fund team and experts from our tech teams.
Step V: Final Result
Based on a complete assessment of the application, RFP and interview, the Innovation Fund makes the final investment decision and notifies all selected companies.
How To Apply For UNICEF Innovation Fund for Blockchain Startups;
Interested applicants should Click Here To Apply
Application Deadline:
8th March, 2022
For more information about UNICEF Innovation Fund for Blockchain Startups visit UNICEF Innovation Fund Application Portal
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UNICEF Innovation Fund Opens Application for Blockchain Startups To Get More Opportunities Updates:-
