UNOPS Global Innovation Challenge 2020 to tackle the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Deadline: July 31, 2020

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Global Innovation Challenge 2020 is open for entries. UNOPS Global Innovation Challenge brings together innovators, entrepreneurs, programmers and developers to provide the creative ideas and solutions needed to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

They are calling on innovators and entrepreneurs to develop new technology solutions for creating infrastructure, networks and systems that can withstand shocks and stresses. Recognizing the enormous challenge but also the vast opportunities of climate action, they’re calling on new ideas, solutions & partnerships to help protect our planet & its people.

Benefits

Participants whose proposals are deemed to have the greatest potential to create a positive impact towards building climate change adaptation and resilience through infrastructure will be contacted by 31 August 2020, 24:00 (CET). They will also potentially be included in an innovation accelerator programme.

Bootcamp: The top candidates from this review process will be invited to a boot camp in Kobe, Japan. All those selected should be available in person for a four-day period. Note: The set-up of the boot camp will depend on global travel restrictions due to COVID-19. The timing will be determined and communicated to the selected candidates once selection is done.
Global Innovation Centre Incubator: Selected participants will be given the opportunity to join one of UNOPS Global Innovation Centre Incubators for a 12-month period. They will receive support to help advance their solution to the marketplace.
Piloting: Participants with solutions that demonstrate the most potential will be given the opportunity to develop a pilot in collaboration with UNOPS, at a suitable location.

Eligibility

This programme is open to both individuals and groups, such as business entities and other types of organizations.
Female applicants are encouraged to apply.

Requirements

The solutions need to demonstrate how technology – from sensors to artificial intelligence – could build climate resilience, helping societies prepare for and adapt to the challenges posed by climate change.
Solutions could range from ensuring reliable power generation and effective emergency responses in the midst of a fierce storm, to advancing sustainable agriculture and protecting biodiversity. It could include improving access to clean and safe drinking water – and much, much more.
Solutions submitted in this challenge do not need to be commercialized and will be treated by our review team as confidential.

Application

Are you ready for the challenge?

Participants should submit their ideas by 31 July 2020, 24:00 Central European Time (CET) to be considered.

Click here to apply.