Innovation is the driving force behind solutions that can change lives, transform communities, and create a sustainable future. As the global climate crisis continues to intensify, the need for creative, scalable, and tech-driven approaches to adaptation and resilience has never been greater. To answer this call, UNICEF has officially launched the Climate Innovation Challenge 2025, a unique platform designed to engage early and growth stage frontier tech start-ups from across emerging markets.
This initiative is more than just a competition. It is an opportunity for visionary entrepreneurs to showcase solutions that tackle climate-related challenges and positively impact vulnerable communities, especially children who bear the brunt of climate change effects. Working in collaboration with the India Health Fund (IHF) and the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL), UNICEF is ensuring that participating ventures have access to a global network of partners, resources, and expertise.
The Climate Innovation Challenge is built around a dual-track approach. On one track, UNICEF will engage with early-stage frontier tech ventures, supporting them as they refine and test their ideas. On the other track, it will work with more established ventures to scale up proven solutions, ensuring that they reach the populations that need them most. This balance between nurturing innovation and scaling impact sets the initiative apart as one of the most comprehensive and forward-looking opportunities available to entrepreneurs in the climate tech space.
If you are leading a start-up with the vision, technology, and drive to create transformative climate solutions, this is your chance to take part in shaping a sustainable future.
Job Description of the Opportunity
Unlike traditional employment roles, the UNICEF Climate Innovation Challenge 2025 is structured as an opportunity for start-ups to submit their solutions and be part of a dynamic ecosystem. Think of this as a call to action for entrepreneurs rather than a recruitment advert. Below are the key elements of what the challenge offers and requires:
1. Early-Stage Frontier Tech Start-Ups
UNICEF is seeking start-ups that are in the early phases of development but already demonstrate strong potential. If you have a prototype or a minimum viable product (MVP) that addresses climate adaptation needs, this track is for you.
- What UNICEF Provides:
- Guidance to refine your product.
- Mentorship from technical and climate adaptation experts.
- Access to networks that can help test your solution in real-world contexts.
- Support in building a pathway toward scale and sustainability.
- What UNICEF Expects:
- A willingness to embrace open-source principles.
- Commitment to generating measurable, real-time data.
- Demonstrated potential to positively impact vulnerable communities, especially children.
2. Growth Stage Ventures with Proven Solutions
This track is designed for companies that already have validated climate solutions and are now ready to expand their reach. UNICEF and its partners are committed to scaling ideas that have already shown results in tackling pressing environmental challenges.
- What UNICEF Provides:
- Strategic support for scaling solutions across multiple regions.
- Partnerships to increase visibility, adoption, and integration of your solution.
- Long-term collaboration opportunities to strengthen resilience in emerging markets.
- What UNICEF Expects:
- Evidence of successful implementation and positive outcomes.
- Openness to adaptation and integration into broader community systems.
- Readiness to collaborate with UNICEF and partner networks for greater impact.
Eligibility Criteria
To ensure fairness and alignment with UNICEF’s mission, all applicants must meet the following mandatory selection requirements:
- Be registered as a private for-profit company.
- Be registered in a UNICEF programme country.
- Have a working prototype or minimum viable product, ideally with promising initial results.
- Be open source or willing to adopt open-source principles.
- Demonstrate the potential to positively impact the lives of vulnerable children.
- Generate publicly exposed, real-time, and measurable data.
These criteria are designed to filter ventures that not only show innovation but also align with UNICEF’s core mission of protecting and improving the lives of children worldwide.
Why Apply?
The Climate Innovation Challenge 2025 is not just a competition—it is a gateway to opportunities that can redefine your start-up’s trajectory. Some of the key benefits include:
- Global Visibility: Gain recognition by being part of a UNICEF-led initiative supported by international partners.
- Mentorship & Resources: Receive expert guidance from world-class leaders in climate adaptation and frontier technologies.
- Scalability: Access the tools, funding opportunities, and connections needed to expand your solution beyond local markets.
- Social Impact: Play a direct role in creating sustainable solutions that improve the lives of children and communities in need.
- Collaborative Ecosystem: Connect with like-minded innovators, impact investors, and institutions focused on tackling climate challenges.
Important Dates
- Call Opens: Applications are already open.
- Deadline: October 21, 2025. Late applications will not be considered.
Contact Information
For additional information or inquiries regarding the application process, you can reach out through the following channels:
- Phone: +234 909 804 4444
- Email: [email protected]
How to Apply
Applications for the UNICEF Climate Innovation Challenge 2025 are now open. If your start-up meets the eligibility criteria and you are ready to showcase your climate solution, seize this opportunity today.
