The UNICEF Venture Fund has launched a global call for startups developing frontier technology to protect children’s health from climate-related threats.
This initiative aims to identify solutions at the intersection of climate and health that can be scaled for global impact.
About one billion children currently live in countries facing high climate and environmental risks, yet many innovations fail to prioritise their specific needs.
UNICEF is looking to bridge this gap by supporting projects that strengthen the systems children depend on for survival.
Funding and benefits
Selected startups will receive up to US$100,000 in equity-free funding to develop and deploy their technologies.
This financial support is designed to help early-stage companies scale innovations like artificial intelligence and blockchain in low-resource settings.
In addition to funding, the “Climate Ventures” program offers a five-year dedicated roadmap to catalyse child-centric climate innovation.
The fund provides a platform for companies to join a cohort focused on enhancing resilience across health, education, and basic services.
Application requirements and eligibility
To be eligible, companies must be registered in one of UNICEF’s programme countries.
Applicants are required to have a working prototype that demonstrates the potential for radical change for children.
A core requirement for all applicants is a firm commitment to open-source licensing and practices.
The fund specifically targets startups leveraging frontier tech like machine learning and Internet of Things (IoT) sensors.
Diversity is a major priority for this call, and the fund is actively encouraging women-led startups and young founders to apply.
The goal is to foster an inclusive environment where local innovators from emerging markets can thrive.
Deadline
Innovators ready to make a difference must act quickly, as the official application deadline is May 17, 2026.
This marks the first cohort in a broader effort to shift climate technology toward equitable impact for future generations.
The fund is focusing on four key areas, including early warning systems for disease outbreaks and hyper-local environmental data mapping.
Other priority areas include point-of-care support and strategic planning for climate hazards.
Ultimately, this program seeks to protect the rights of every child by ensuring they are not left behind in the global climate response.
UNICEF maintains a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination and strives to treat all participants with dignity and respect.
For more visit The UNICEF Venture Fund call page. Visit our global opportunity page for more.
Summary not available at this time.
