Applications to the UNICEF StartUp Lab Accelerator Programme are now available. UNICEF StartUp Lab, inaugurated in 2019, is a six-month accelerator program for transformative entrepreneurs and businesses advancing Sustainable Development Goals for children and youth.
The initiative is led by UNICEF in Ghana, sponsored by KOICA and implemented by MEST Africa. It offers a one-of-a-kind service by combining intensive, hands-on business acceleration with extensive technical expertise and systems knowledge in the social sector, led by UNICEF experts in Education, Health & Nutrition, Social Policy & Protection, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), and Child Protection. Participants have access to personalized mentorship, a network of UN System partners, prototype funds, and a variety of additional support resources.
Designed to catalyze growth and innovation, the programme targets impact-driven startups in Ghana with a technology-centric approach. Aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals, it emphasizes social impact and product development, fostering open-source solutions. Geographically inclusive, it warmly welcomes diverse ventures from all regions of Ghana, with a particular focus on empowering women-led businesses.
Benefits:
- FUNDING : Each startup receives up to GHS 32,000 for product development
- INVESTMENT : Global funding opportunities including UNICEF Venture Fund
- PARTNERSHIPS : Access to a wide network of UN System partners
- GROWTH : Intense, hands-on practical business acceleration
- KNOWLEDGE : Direct access to resources and social sector programme experts
- RESOURCES : Technology perks for participating startups
Eligibility:
- Your startup has been operational for 1+ year
- Your startup is a registered business in Ghana (no NGOs, foundations, or individuals)
- Your startup has technology as the core enabler of the business
- Your startup has a business model with a social impact that addresses at least one of the Sustainable Development Goals
- Open-source solutions, or startups that are willing to open-source their solutions, are particularly encouraged to apply
- Startups with female founders/co-founders are encouraged to apply
- The programme is designed to include startups from all regions of Ghana
- Startups related to Health Tech, EdTech, Urban Tech, Climate Action, Fintech and WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) are strongly encouraged to apply
Target Areas:
- HealthTech
- EdTech
- UrbanTech
- Climate Action
- Child Protection
- FinTech
- WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene)
