Written by Applications are now open for the UNICEF Venture Fund Climate and Health 2026, offering up to $100,000 in equity-free funding to early-stage startups building innovative solutions at the intersection of climate change and health.
This global opportunity targets startups leveraging frontier technologies to address climate-related health challenges affecting children and vulnerable communities.
About the Program
The UNICEF Venture Fund is a global initiative that invests in early-stage, open-source technology startups from emerging markets, with a focus on solutions that improve the lives of children.
Through the Climate and Health call, UNICEF is seeking startups developing scalable innovations that tackle the growing impact of climate change on health systems, particularly in low-resource environments.
The program emphasizes solutions that are practical, inclusive, and capable of delivering measurable impact at scale.
Funding and Benefits
Selected startups will receive:
- Up to $100,000 in equity-free funding (no ownership taken)
- Tailored mentorship from UNICEF experts
- Technical support in product development and scaling
- Access to UNICEF’s global network and partners
- Opportunity to pilot solutions in real-world environments
- Investment period support (typically 12–18 months)
This funding is designed to help startups validate, test, and scale their solutions for global impact.
Focus Area: Climate and Health
UNICEF is particularly interested in solutions that:
- Address climate-related health risks such as heat, floods, and air pollution
- Strengthen health systems and resilience in vulnerable communities
- Use AI, data science, or digital tools to improve health outcomes
- Support children and underserved populations
The initiative aims to accelerate innovations that protect children from climate-induced health challenges.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the UNICEF Venture Fund, applicants must:
- Be early-stage, for-profit startups
- Be registered in a UNICEF programme country
- Have a working prototype or minimum viable product (MVP)
- Build open-source solutions or be willing to adopt open-source licensing
- Demonstrate potential to create measurable impact for children
- Use frontier technologies such as AI, blockchain, or data science
Startups from emerging markets, including Africa, are strongly encouraged to apply.
Program Structure
The program typically includes:
- Application and screening process
- Selection and onboarding
- Funding disbursement
- Mentorship and technical support
- Pilot testing and scaling phase
The UNICEF Venture Fund focuses on helping startups grow from early-stage innovation to scalable global solutions.
Application Deadline
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible, as deadlines may vary depending on the specific call and cohort.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply
Follow these steps to successfully apply:
Step 1: Visit the Official Application Page
Start your application here:
Apply here: https://www.unicef.org/innovation/call-for-application-climate-and-health-2026
Step 2: Review Eligibility Criteria
Carefully go through the requirements to confirm your startup qualifies.
Step 3: Prepare Your Startup Information
Get your product details, impact metrics, and technical documentation ready.
Step 4: Complete the Expression of Interest
Fill out the application form with accurate and detailed information.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Ensure all details are correct before submitting.
Step 6: Await Shortlisting
Selected startups will be contacted for further evaluation and onboarding.
Why You Should Apply
The UNICEF Venture Fund is one of the few global funding opportunities that provides non-dilutive capital while also offering deep technical and strategic support.
For startups working at the intersection of climate and health, this program provides a powerful platform to scale innovations, access global networks, and drive meaningful impact for vulnerable populations.